Skip to content

With insufferable vanity had she believed herself in the…

“With insufferable vanity had she believed herself in the secret of everybody's feelings; with unpardonable arrogance proposed to arrange everybody's destiny. She was proved to have been universally mistaken; and she had not quite done nothing — for she had done mischief.” quote by Jane Austen
Download Open image
““With insufferable vanity had she believed herself in the secret of everybody's feelings; with unpardonable arrogance proposed to arrange everybody's destiny. She was proved to have been universally mistaken; and she had not quite done nothing — for she had done mischief.””

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 excerpt criticizes a character’s vanity and arrogance in believing she can control others’ emotions and destinies, ultimately revealing her mistaken self‑importance and the mischief she caused.

In simple terms: Arrogance in trying to control others leads to error and harm.

Key Takeaway

Beware of overconfidence in influencing others.

Themes

pride control misjudgment consequences

Mood

cautionary critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • relationships
  • political movements
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics literary critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humility improve decision‑making?
  • When might taking responsibility for others be justified?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence can blind one to reality and cause damage.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jane Austen

Explore all 2,013 Jane Austen quotes

More Arrogance quotes

Browse all 1,418 Arrogance quotes