Do not think me gentle because I speak in praise of gentleness, or elegant because I honor the grace that keeps this world. I am a man crude as any, gross of speech, intolerant, stubborn, angry, full of fits and furies. That I may have spoken well at times, is not natural. A wonder is what it is.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author admits personal flaws despite preaching gentleness and grace.
- In plain terms
- I am not perfect or gentle inside even if I talk about gentleness.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledging personal flaws makes praise of virtue more honest.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How honest are you about your flaws?
- Does preaching virtue require being virtuous?
Another view
Some may feel hypocritical if flaws are not actively addressed.
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