The late John Jacob Astor, a personage little given to…
“The late John Jacob Astor, a personage little given to poetic enthusiasm, had no hesitation in pronouncing my first grand point to be prudence; my next, method. I do not speak it in vanity, but simply record the fact, that I was not unemployed in my profession by the late John Jacob Astor; a name which, I admit, I love to repeat, for it hath a rounded and orbicular sound to it, and rings like unto bullion. I will freely add, that I was not insensible to the late John Jacob Astor's good opinion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A humorous, ornate tribute to a patron, emphasizing the absurdity of over‑praise and social flattery.
In simple terms: Flattery is exaggerated and comic.
Key Takeaway
Question excessive praise.
Themes
satire
social commentary
literature
Mood
witty
ironic
Type
satirical
humorous
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- business networking
- writing
Key Concepts
flattery
patronage
ego
Questions to Reflect On
- When is flattery genuine?
- How does it affect credibility?
A Different Perspective
Over‑praise can feel insincere.