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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel Butler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People value their image and how others perceive their taste more than their actual qualities or virtues.

This quote suggests that individuals prioritize the perception of having good taste over being recognized for their inherent goodness, intelligence, or likability. It reflects a societal tendency to place higher importance on external judgments and trends rather than on authenticity or personal virtues.

Themes

TastePerceptionSocietyImageValues

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about fashion trends, this quote could highlight how much effort people put into looking stylish.

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