It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
Henry FieldingRead
There is perhaps no surer mark of folly, than to attempt to correct natural infirmities of those we love.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Attempting to change the inherent flaws of loved ones is often misguided and foolish.
Henry Fielding's quote suggests that trying to correct the natural imperfections of those we care about is a sign of folly. It implies that acceptance is a more virtuous approach than criticism or attempts at correction, as every individual has their own strengths and weaknesses. Love thrives on acceptance rather than judgment, and recognizing this can lead to healthier, more compassionate relationships.
Themes
LoveAcceptanceFlawsRelationshipsCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about unconditional love at a family gathering.
More from Henry Fielding
All quotes βIt is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.
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Let no man be sorry he has done good, because others concerned with him have done evil! If a man has acted right, he has done well, though along; if wrong, the sanction of all mankind will not justify him.
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A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
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He grew weary of this condescension, and began to treat the opinions of his wife with that haughtiuess and insolence, which none but those who deserve some contempt themselves can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.
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Now in reality, the world has paid too great a compliment to critics, and has imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
Henry FieldingRead
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