Keynes, quite ignoring the covert gestures, the attempts…
![“Keynes, quite ignoring the covert gestures, the attempts at signaling, of nearly every senior officer, examined [Lily] and declared that she was perfectly fit to fly, "had better fly, I should say; this agitation is unnatural, and must be worked off." "But perhaps," Laurence said, voicing the…” quote by Naomi Novik](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/144/naomi-novik-6809_quote_keynes-quite-ignoring-the-covert-gesture_1849401.jpg)
““Keynes, quite ignoring the covert gestures, the attempts at signaling, of nearly every senior officer, examined [Lily] and declared that she was perfectly fit to fly, "had better fly, I should say; this agitation is unnatural, and must be worked off." "But perhaps," Laurence said, voicing the reluctance which the captains all privately shared, and they as a body began to suggest flights out over the ocean, along the scenic and settled coastline and back; gentle exercise. "I hope," Catherine said, going pink clear up to her forehead in a wave of color, "I hope that no-one is going to fuss; I would dislike fuss extremely.””
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 shows senior officers questioning a pilot’s suitability, reflecting tension between authority, personal ambition, and the desire for calm, scenic work.
In simple terms: Authority doubts a pilot’s fit, preferring easy flights.
Key Takeaway
Balance ambition with calm guidance.
Themes
authority
ambition
flight
team dynamics
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- aviation training
- career counseling
- team meetings
Key Concepts
psychology
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How should leaders address dissent?
- When is risk‑taking justified?
A Different Perspective
The dialogue may simplify complex military decision‑making.