Elderly gentlemen, gentle in all respects, kind to…
“Elderly gentlemen, gentle in all respects, kind to animals, beloved by children, and fond of music, are found in lonely corners of the downs, hacking at sandpits or tussocks of grass, and muttering in a blind, ungovernable fury elaborate maledictions which could not be extracted from them by robbery or murder. Men who would face torture without a word become blasphemous at the short fourteenth. It is clear that the game of golf may well be included in that category of intolerable provocations which may legally excuse or mitigate behavior not otherwise excusable.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Elderly men are depicted as gentle yet capable of sudden, uncontrollable rage when provoked, highlighting the thin line between civility and violence.
In simple terms: Old men can be calm but erupt violently when pushed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden tensions in seemingly peaceful people.
Themes
gentlemen
violence
provocation
golf
society
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- elderly care
- sports settings
- community interactions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
human nature
stress response
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers sudden anger in calm individuals?
- How does sport influence behavior?
A Different Perspective
The description may romanticize aggression, ignoring systemic causes of anger.