The solemn fop; significant and budge; A fool with judges, amongst fools a judge.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A pompous person pretends importance; a fool among judges becomes a judge himself.
- In plain terms
- A showy individual feigns significance, and a fool can rise to authority among peers.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of superficial authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you assess true competence?
- When is style appropriate?
Another view
Sometimes appearances are necessary for leadership.
More from William Cowper
I cannot talk with civet in the room, A fine puss-gentleman that's all perfume.
Permalink to quote #42 His wit invites you by his looks to come, But when you knock it never is at home.
Permalink to quote #44 Pernicious weed! whose scent the fair annoys, Unfriendly to society's chief joys, Thy worst effect is banishing for hours The sex whose presence civilizes ours.
Permalink to quote #41
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