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As towards most other things of which we have but little…

“As towards most other things of which we have but little personal experience (foreigners, or socialists, or aristocrats, as the case may be), there is a degree of vague ill-will towards what is called Thinking. ... I am tempted to believe that much of the mischief thus laid at the door of that…” quote by Vernon Lee
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“As towards most other things of which we have but little personal experience (foreigners, or socialists, or aristocrats, as the case may be), there is a degree of vague ill-will towards what is called Thinking. ... I am tempted to believe that much of the mischief thus laid at the door of that poor unknown quantity Thinking is really due to its ubiquitous twin-brother Talking.”

Vernon Lee

About This Quote

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

Thinking is often feared or disliked because it is paired with talk, which can be superficial or manipulative.

In simple terms: People distrust thinking because it’s linked to talk.

Key Takeaway

Question thinking, beware empty talk.

Themes

fear thinking communication

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • personal relationships
  • education
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

cognitive bias social perception language dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does talk influence your perception of ideas?
  • When does silence protect thinking?
A Different Perspective

Talking can mask true intent, making thinking seem dangerous.

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