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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the dangers of condescension and how it can erode respect in relationships.
In this quote, Fielding illustrates the detrimental effects of condescension in marital relationships, highlighting how one partner's arrogance towards the other's opinions can lead to a cycle of disrespect and contempt. By treating his wife's thoughts with disdain, the man not only displays his own flaws but also fosters an environment where mutual respect cannot thrive, indicating that true respect requires humility from both parties.
Themes
CondescensionRespectRelationshipsArrogancePartnership
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about marriage dynamics, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of mutual respect.
More from Henry Fielding
All quotes →It 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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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.
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It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
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