Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second…
“Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins. We parry and fend the approach of our fellow-man by compliments, by gossip, by amusements, by affairs. We cover up our thought from him under a hundred folds.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Sincerity fades when we interact; we mask ourselves with social niceties and deceit.
In simple terms: People become insincere with others.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connections.
Themes
authenticity
social masks
human nature
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- friendship
- workplace
- family gatherings
- public speaking
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is politeness necessary?
- How can honesty be balanced?
A Different Perspective
Some social niceties are essential for harmony.