We call those poets who are first to mark, Through earth's dull mist the coming of the dawn, Who see in twilight's gloom the first pale spark, While others only note that day is gone.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
To obtain a man's opinion of you, make him mad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Getting someone's true feelings often requires provoking them.
This quote suggests that in order to truly understand how someone feels about you, it can be effective to elicit an emotional response from them, particularly anger. Through intense emotions, the facade of politeness or indifference may fall away, revealing genuine opinions and sentiments that might otherwise remain hidden.
Themes
RelationshipsOpinionsAngerTruthEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about personal feelings, one might quote this to highlight the complexities of understanding relationships.
More from Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
All quotes →Every real thought on every real subject knocks the wind out of somebody or other.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
The very aim and end of our institutions is just this: that we may think what we like and say what we think.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Don't you stay at home of evenings? Don't you love a cushioned seat in a corner, by the fireside, with your slippers on your feet?
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that - one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
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