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I had been fed, in my youth, a lot of old wives' tales…

“I had been fed, in my youth, a lot of old wives' tales about the way men would instantly forsake a beautiful woman to flock around a brilliant one. It is but fair to say that, after getting out in the world, I had never seen this happen." [From a column dated November 17, 1928]” quote by Dorothy Parker
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“I had been fed, in my youth, a lot of old wives' tales about the way men would instantly forsake a beautiful woman to flock around a brilliant one. It is but fair to say that, after getting out in the world, I had never seen this happen." [From a column dated November 17, 1928]”

Dorothy Parker

About This Quote

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

Observes that men often abandon beauty for brilliance, a pattern seen in society

In simple terms: Men favor brilliance over beauty

Key Takeaway

Beware of superficial judgments

Themes

society gender beauty

Mood

cynical thoughtful

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • career advancement
  • social circles

Key Concepts

sociology human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you think this pattern still holds?
  • How does this affect women's self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective

Not all men act this way;individuals vary

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