It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
Henry FieldingRead
Now in reality, the world has paid too great a compliment to critics, and has imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Critics are often thought to have deeper insights than they really do.
Henry Fielding suggests that society tends to overvalue the opinions of critics, attributing to them a greater depth of understanding than they possess. This quote reflects on how critics, who often point out flaws or deficiencies, may not necessarily have a more profound grasp of issues than ordinary observers.
Themes
CriticsOpinionsDepthSocietyUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of critics in the arts, this quote can highlight the need to consider their actual expertise.
More from Henry Fielding
All quotes βIt is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.
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Let no man be sorry he has done good, because others concerned with him have done evil! If a man has acted right, he has done well, though along; if wrong, the sanction of all mankind will not justify him.
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A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
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He grew weary of this condescension, and began to treat the opinions of his wife with that haughtiuess and insolence, which none but those who deserve some contempt themselves can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.
Henry FieldingRead
It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
Henry FieldingRead
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