There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
'Tis strange what a man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that people often misinterpret or overlook the flaws of their partners.
William Makepeace Thackeray's quote highlights the often puzzling dynamics in relationships where one partner may overlook the faults or misdeeds of the other, seeing them through a lens of idealization. It suggests that love can cloud judgment, leading individuals to perceive their partners in a remarkably flattering light, despite contradictory behaviors. This can illustrate both the romantic nature of love and the potential for delusion that can accompany deep emotional connections.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about love's complexities, this quote could illustrate how partners can ignore each other's shortcomings.
More from William Makepeace Thackeray
All quotes βThere's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.
When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
The play is done; the curtain drops,_x000D_ _x000D_ Slow falling to the prompter's bell_x000D_ _x000D_ A moment yet the actor stops_x000D_ _x000D_ And looks around to say farewell.
The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
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We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.