Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.
George SandRead
There are no more thorough prudes than those who have some little secret to hide.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People who are overly concerned about propriety often have hidden flaws or secrets.
George Sand's quote suggests that individuals who appear to be the most moralistic or judgmental often possess their own hidden shortcomings. Such prudes tend to project their insecurities and secrets onto others, implying that their strict adherence to social norms is a protective facade rather than genuine virtue.
Themes
PrudenceSecretHypocrisyJudgmentMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about hypocrisy in society.
More from George Sand
All quotes βHumanity is outraged in me and with me. We must not dissimulate nor try to forget this indignation, which is one of the most passionate forms of love.
George SandRead
Young love needs dangers and barriers to nourish it.
George SandRead
Once my heart was captured, reason was shown the door, deliberately and with a sort of frantic joy. I accepted everything, I believed everything, without struggle, without suffering, without regret, without false shame. How can one blush for what one adores?
George SandRead
Some say that cats are devils, but they behave badly only when they are alone. When they are among us cats are angels.
George SandRead
One is happy as a result of one's own efforts, once one knows of the necessary ingredients of happiness-simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience. Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel certain.
George SandRead
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