Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Sentimental irony pretends to be deep but actually desecrates serious subjects.
In plain terms
Sentimental irony pretends to care but disrespects things.
What can you take from it?
False sentiment dishonors serious topics.

Where it applies

  • media critique
  • social commentary
  • writing style

Putting it to work

  • avoid fake emotion
  • respect subjects
  • be sincere

Questions to consider

  • How do you spot fake sentiment?
  • When is irony disrespectful?

Another view

Irony can be a valid tool for critique.

More from Karl Kraus

  1. Satires which the censor can understand are justly forbidden.

    Permalink to quote #38
  2. Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match.

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. Psychoanalysis: a rabbit that was swallowed by a boa constrictor that just wanted to see what it was like in there.

    Permalink to quote #37

Related quotes

  1. Mark how my fame rings out from zone to zone: A thousand critics shouting: 'He's unknown!'

    Ambrose BierceAmbrose Bierce quote #1
  2. I apologize for calling Madam President names in my statement on the radio. My purpose was to encourage every Finnish person to strive forward in life and try …

    Tony HalmeTony Halme quote #2
  3. I never speak ill of dead people or live judges.

    Edwin W. EdwardsEdwin W. Edwards quote #4