The habit of doubt; of distrusting his own judgment and of…
““The habit of doubt; of distrusting his own judgment and of totally rejecting the judgment of the world; the tendency to regard every question as open; the hesitation to act except as a choice of evils; the shirking of responsibility; the love of line, form, quality; the horror of ennui; the passion for companionship and the antipathy to society -- all these are well-known qualities of New England character in no way peculiar to individuals but in this instance they seemed to be stimulated by the fever, and Henry Adams could never make up his mind whether, on the whole, the change of character was morbid or healthy, good or bad for his purpose.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage lists traits of New England character—doubt, indecision, responsibility avoidance, aesthetic love, boredom, social alienation—questioning whether they are healthy or harmful.
In simple terms: New England traits include doubt, avoidance, aesthetic focus, boredom, and social alienation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance these traits for personal growth.
Themes
doubt
responsibility
aestheticism
ennui
social alienation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership
- creative work
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
character analysis
regional culture
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you aware of similar traits in yourself?
- How can you channel aesthetic love without falling into ennui?
A Different Perspective
These traits can hinder decisive action and social cohesion.