From Jane Collier's "An Essay on the Art of Ingeniously…
““From Jane Collier's "An Essay on the Art of Ingeniously Tormenting" - In short, keep up in your mind the true spirit of contradiction to everything that is proposed or done; and although, from want of power, you may not be able to exercise tyranny, yet, by the help of perpetual mutiny, you may heavily torment and vex all there that love you; and be as troublesome as an impertinent fly, to those who care not three farthings about you.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Keep a spirit of contradiction; use perpetual mutiny to frustrate those who love you.
In simple terms: Embrace constructive contradiction.
Key Takeaway
Use playful dissent strategically.
Themes
contradiction
power
social dynamics
Mood
witty
sharp
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
political theory
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is contradiction constructive?
- How to avoid alienation?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can damage relationships.