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I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaintance…

“I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little. One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight. But if we do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her daughters must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it…” quote by Jane Austen
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““I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little. One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight. But if we do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her daughters must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself.””

Jane Austen

About This Quote

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

The speaker acknowledges brief acquaintance limits judgment, urging action before others intervene, and offers to assume responsibility out of kindness.

In simple terms: Brief meetings hide true character; act before others do.

Key Takeaway

Take initiative and offer help when needed.

Themes

judgment initiative kindness

Mood

thoughtful considerate

Type

advice social

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • business negotiations
  • friendship decisions
  • volunteering

Key Concepts

social perception responsibility agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks do you face by acting quickly?
  • How can you balance caution with initiative?
A Different Perspective

Assuming roles without full knowledge can lead to missteps.

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