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Vathah shut the door for her, then looked in the window…

“Vathah shut the door for her, then looked in the window. “Most men are idiots.” “Nonsense,” Shallan said, smiling. “By the law of averages, only half of them are.” He grunted. She was learning to interpret those, which was essential to speaking Vathahese. This one roughly meant, “I’m not going to…” quote by Brandon Sanderson
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““Vathah shut the door for her, then looked in the window. “Most men are idiots.” “Nonsense,” Shallan said, smiling. “By the law of averages, only half of them are.” He grunted. She was learning to interpret those, which was essential to speaking Vathahese. This one roughly meant, “I’m not going to acknowledge that joke because it would spoil my reputation as a complete and utter dunnard.””

Brandon Sanderson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character dismisses a joke to protect his reputation, showing how pride can block honest communication.

In simple terms: Protecting pride can stop honest dialogue.

Key Takeaway

Watch pride before it silences you.

Themes

pride communication reputation humor

Mood

wry reflective

Type

literary conversational

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • friendship banter
  • online comments
  • negotiations

Key Concepts

social dynamics self‑image language learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you hide jokes to protect image?
  • How does pride affect your honesty?
A Different Perspective

Pride may cause missed connections or misunderstandings.

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