It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
There are people who say, 'Oh this guy is quite thick.' I think the reason is that, increasingly, I don't mind being simple in terms of literary expression. Others say, 'No, no, no. He went to Cambridge. He got a good degree. He must be Einstein.'
Interpretation
The quote highlights the tension between simplicity in expression and the expectation of complexity based on one's background.
Alain De Botton’s quote reflects the often misguided assumption that intelligence and literary merit are connected to complexity in expression. He suggests that valuing simplicity in writing can be seen as a form of authenticity, which contrasts with societal expectations that associate educational background with complexity and intellectual superiority.
In practice
In a speech about creativity, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of clear and simple communication.
It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
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Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
The challenge of modern relationships: how to prove more interesting than the other's smartphone.
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My own concern is primarily the terror and violence carried out by my own state... It is very easy to denounce the atrocities of someone else. That has about as much ethical value as denouncing atrocities that took place in the 18th century.
The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves.
Yes, I am a Jew and when the ancestors of the right honorable gentleman were brutal savages in an unknown island, mine were priests in the temple of Solomon.
So far is it from being true that men are naturally equal, that no two people can be half an hour together, but one shall acquire an evident superiority over the other.
I do not know what the heart of a bad man is like. But i do know what the heart of a good man is like. And it is terrible.
I love tranquil solitude_x000D_ _x000D_ And such society_x000D_ _x000D_ As is quiet, wise, and good.
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