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Very likely Miss Binny was right to a great extent. It is…

“Very likely Miss Binny was right to a great extent. 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…” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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““Very likely Miss Binny was right to a great extent. 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. Oh, ladies, ladies! some there are 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 often skews judgment, leading society to overlook inner virtues in favor of outward beauty.

In simple terms: Looks can cloud judgment and value.

Key Takeaway

Beware superficial judgments.

Themes

beauty judgment gender society virtue

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • workplace hiring
  • media representation
  • political candidacy

Key Concepts

social bias appearance vs. character gender expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you value inner qualities over appearance?
  • What biases affect your decisions?
A Different Perspective

Attractiveness does not guarantee competence or wisdom.

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