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It is the pretty face which creates sympathy in the hearts…

“It is the pretty face which creates sympathy in the hearts of men, those wicked rogues. A woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dulness may not red lips and sweet…” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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““It is the pretty face which creates sympathy in the hearts of men, those wicked rogues. A woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dulness may not red lips and sweet accents render pleasant? And so, with their usual sense of justice, ladies argue that because a woman is handsome, therefore she is a fool. O ladies, ladies! there are some of you who are neither handsome nor wise.””

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.

Physical attractiveness can bias judgment, allowing faults to be forgiven while virtues are ignored.

In simple terms: Looks can cloud judgment of character.

Key Takeaway

Guard against superficial bias.

Themes

appearance bias gender judgment beauty

Mood

critical reflective

Type

satirical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • job interviews
  • political campaigns
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

psychology social norms feminism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you judge people by looks?
  • How can we value inner qualities more?
A Different Perspective

Attractiveness does not guarantee moral worth.

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