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About this quote

What does it mean?
Axiom asserting that disdain for middle-class values is the starting point for critical understanding.
In plain terms
Disliking bourgeois values is seen as the start of wisdom.
What can you take from it?
Rejection of norms can prompt deeper thought.

Where it applies

  • studying sociology
  • political commentary
  • art criticism

Putting it to work

  • question social norms
  • examine class bias

Questions to consider

  • Do you find wisdom in rejecting norms?
  • What makes someone wise?

Another view

This view overlooks the possibility of wisdom within ordinary life.

More from Gustave Flaubert

  1. Do not read as children do to enjoy themselves, or, as the ambitious do to educate themselves. No, read to live.

    Permalink to quote #9

  2. Exuberance is better than taste:

    Permalink to quote #11

  3. The artist must be in his work as God is in creation, invisible and all-powerful; one must sense him everywhere but never see him.

    Permalink to quote #8

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