[Of Lord Chesterfield] This man, I thought, had been a Lord among wits; but, I find, he is only a wit among Lords!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Criticism that Lord Chesterfield is a wit among aristocrats rather than a noble among intellectuals.
- In plain terms
- He is seen as smart among kings, not a king among smart people.
- What can you take from it?
- Context defines how intelligence is perceived.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does status affect perception?
- What makes a true wit?
Another view
This assumes nobility and wit are mutually exclusive groups.
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