There are a sort of men, whose visages Do cream and…
“There are a sort of men, whose visages Do cream and mantle, like a standing pond; And do a willful stillness entertain, With purpose to be dressed in an opinion Of wisdom, gravity profound conceit; As who should say, I am sir Oracle, And when I ope my lips, let no dog bark!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A satirical portrait of pretentious men who hide behind false wisdom, claiming authority while remaining silent and dogmatic.
In simple terms: Critique of false intellectuals.
Key Takeaway
Beware those who speak without substance.
Themes
satire
ego
authority
Mood
wry
critical
Type
literary
satirical
When to use this quote
- academic circles
- political debates
- media commentary
Key Concepts
rhetoric
pretension
silence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify authentic expertise?
- When does confidence become conceit?
A Different Perspective
Such arrogance can stifle genuine dialogue.