'I well understand your doing this,' said the notary. 'A man of science can't be expected to burden himself with the practical details of existence.' Charles felt soothed by these oily words: they flattered his weakness, making it look like preoccupation with lofty things.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Flattery masks condescension by framing practical neglect as noble preoccupation.
- In plain terms
- Someone comforts a man by praising his weakness as strength.
- What can you take from it?
- Flattery often hides criticism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you accept praise uncritically?
- Is flattery ever useful?
Another view
Sometimes kindness is just kindness without hidden critique.
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