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
When the evening was over, Anne could not be amused…nor could she help fearing, on more serious reflection, that, like many other great moralists and preachers, she had been eloquent on a point in which her own conduct would ill bear examination.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the disconnect between moral preaching and personal behavior.
In this quote, Jane Austen highlights the internal conflict experienced by Anne, who, despite being articulate about moral virtues, recognizes a dissonance between her words and actions. This introspection suggests that those who preach morality may not always embody it, prompting readers to consider the complexity of human behavior and the challenge of living up to one's ideals.
Themes
MoralityHypocrisyConductReflectionEloquence
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethical leadership, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of integrity.
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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