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He who meanly admires a mean thing is a snob--perhaps that…

“He who meanly admires a mean thing is a snob--perhaps that is a safe definition of the character.” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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“He who meanly admires a mean thing is a snob--perhaps that is a safe definition of the character.”

William Makepeace Thackeray

About This Quote

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

Admiring something undesirable signals pretentiousness.

In simple terms: Liking the bad shows snobbery.

Key Takeaway

Beware of superficial admiration.

Themes

snobbery authenticity taste

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • fashion trends
  • social media personas

Key Concepts

social status cultural criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives us to admire the undesirable?
  • Can admiration be sincere?
A Different Perspective

May ignore genuine appreciation of art.

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