A display of indifference to all the actions and passions of mankind was not supposed to be such a distinguished quality at that time, I think, as I have observed it to be considered since. I have known it very fashionable indeed. I have seen it displayed with such success, that I have encountered some fine ladies and gentlemen who might as well have been born caterpillars.
Interpretation
The quote critiques how indifference has come to be valued, equating it to a lifeless existence.
In this quote, Charles Dickens reflects on the changing perceptions of indifference, suggesting that a lack of emotional engagement or passion in life, once viewed with disdain, has become appealing in certain social circles. He uses the metaphor of individuals being as uninspired as caterpillars to emphasize the absurdity of valuing such indifference over genuine humanity, pointing out a troubling social trend.
In practice
In a discussion on societal values during a philosophy class.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
The goal of my work is to make visible the inevitable racist assumptions held, and patterns displayed, by white people conditioned from living in a white supremacist culture.
If the Constitution is adopted (and it was) the Union will be in fact and in theory an association of States or a Confederacy.
There is no truth except the truth that exists within you. Everything else is what someone is telling you.
The presence of a noble nature, generous in its wishes, ardent in its charity, changes the lights for us: we begin to see things again in their larger, quieter masses, and to believe that we too can be seen and judged in the wholeness of our character.
Take note of the fact that I am a follower (of the religion) and not an innovator.
The stupider the peasant, the better the horse understands him.
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