I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
But Catherine did not know her own advantages - did not know that a good-looking girl, with an affectionate heart and a very ignorant mind, cannot fail of attracting a clever young man, unless circumstances are particularly untoward.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights how physical beauty and a kind heart can attract attention, even if one lacks knowledge.
In this quote, Jane Austen reflects on the social dynamics of attraction, suggesting that a combination of beauty and kindness can often captivate a clever young man. It points out that sometimes individuals are unaware of their own appeal, and even someone with limited knowledge can still draw interest if they possess certain charming qualities.
Themes
AttractionBeautyRelationshipsIgnoranceKindness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on dating, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of personality over intelligence.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes →Nobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
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