Old friend Quote by A.J. Liebling
““What a madly gay little wine, my dear!" M. Cliquot said, repressing, but not soon enough, a grimace of pain. "One would say a Tavel of a good year," I cried, "if one were a complete bloody fool." I did not say the second clause aloud. My old friend looked at me with a new respect. He was discovering in me a capacity for hypocrisy that he had never credited me with before.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Little Man, The Big City, 1955
The speaker reveals a hidden hypocrisy, exposing how self‑deception can be both amusing and revealing.
In simple terms: Admitting hidden flaws can be funny and insightful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and own your contradictions.
Themes
hypocrisy
self‑awareness
humor
Mood
wry
reflective
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- personal reflection
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
social perception
literary irony
Questions to Reflect On
- What hypocrisy have you hidden from yourself?
- How does humor help reveal truth?
A Different Perspective
The humor may mask deeper insecurity.
