Skip to content

I no longer find such pleasure in that preeminently good…

“I no longer find such pleasure in that preeminently good society, of which I was once so fond. It seems to me that beneath a cloak of clever talk it proscribes all energy, all originality. If you are not a copy, people accuse you of being ill-mannered.” quote by Stendhal
Download Open image
“I no longer find such pleasure in that preeminently good society, of which I was once so fond. It seems to me that beneath a cloak of clever talk it proscribes all energy, all originality. If you are not a copy, people accuse you of being ill-mannered.”

Stendhal

About This Quote

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

The quote critiques a society that values conformity and polite discourse over originality and energy, condemning its pressure to suppress individuality.

In simple terms: Society rewards conformity, stifling creativity.

Key Takeaway

Embrace authenticity despite social pressure.

Themes

conformity creativity individuality social pressure authenticity

Mood

reflective critical melancholic

Type

literary philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • artistic expression
  • academic environments
  • personal relationships
  • career choices

Key Concepts

existentialism social critique psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance authenticity with social acceptance?
  • What risks do you face when challenging norms?
A Different Perspective

Originality can be misunderstood or labeled rude by others.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Stendhal

Explore all 184 Stendhal quotes

More Clever quotes

Browse all 2,116 Clever quotes