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Mad! Quite mad!' said Stalky to the visitors, as one…

“Mad! Quite mad!' said Stalky to the visitors, as one exhibiting strange beasts. 'Beetle reads an ass called Brownin', and M'Turk reads an ass called Ruskin; and-' 'Ruskin isn't an ass,' said M'Turk. 'He's almost as good as the Opium-Eater. He says we're "children of noble races, trained by…” quote by Rudyard Kipling
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““Mad! Quite mad!' said Stalky to the visitors, as one exhibiting strange beasts. 'Beetle reads an ass called Brownin', and M'Turk reads an ass called Ruskin; and-' 'Ruskin isn't an ass,' said M'Turk. 'He's almost as good as the Opium-Eater. He says we're "children of noble races, trained by surrounding art." That means me, and the way I decorated the study when you two badgers would have stuck up brackets and Christmas cards. Child of a noble race, trained by surrounding art, stop reading or I'll shove a pilchard down your neck!””

Rudyard Kipling

About This Quote

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

Critique of pretentious intellectualism and the absurdity of self‑importance in artistic circles.

In simple terms: Beware pretentiousness.

Key Takeaway

Question true expertise.

Themes

pretension art intellect

Mood

wry critical

Type

satirical humorous

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • academic discourse
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

satire social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who truly benefits from art?
  • When does critique become mockery?
A Different Perspective

Might dismiss genuine insight.

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