There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature.
Washington IrvingRead
Those men are most apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad, who are under the discipline of shrews at home.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people who face strict or demanding situations at home tend to be overly submissive and accommodating in public.
Washington Irving's quote highlights the dynamic between domestic life and external behavior. It implies that individuals who are controlled or dominated by strong personalities at home may compensate for their lack of autonomy by being excessively agreeable and accommodating to others outside. This can reflect a deeper psychological response to their home environment, where they feel the need to appease in order to maintain peace and avoid conflict.
Themes
ObsequiousBehaviorRelationshipsDisciplineDomesticPublic
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a discussion about family dynamics and external behavior.
More from Washington Irving
All quotes βThere is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
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Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
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Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
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The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes.
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If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, how and then, prompt a happier view of human nature, and make my reader more in good humor with his fellow-beings and himself, surely, I shall not have written in vain.
Washington IrvingRead
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