Add Quote by Brigid Brophy
“Whenever people say, 'We mustn't be sentimental,' you can take it they are about to do something cruel. And if they add, 'We must be realistic,' they mean they are going to make money out of it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, possibly interview or essay, 20th century
People who reject sentimentality often mask cruelty, and claiming realism can hide profit motives.
In simple terms: Rejecting feeling can hide harsh actions; realism may be a cover for greed.
Key Takeaway
Beware of false modesty and profit‑driven rationalizations.
Themes
morality
power
authenticity
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
cautionary
observational
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
ethical hypocrisy
instrumental rationality
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives lie behind claims of realism?
- How does sentimentality relate to empathy?
A Different Perspective
Such statements can be self‑serving justifications rather than genuine concerns.
![“Writer Brigid Brophy exposes [their motives] with great precision: "Whenever people say 'We mustn't be sentimental,' you can take it they are about to do something cruel. And if they add 'We must be realistic,' they mean they are going to make money out of it. These slogans have a long history…” quote by Peter cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b64/peter-cox-269262_animal-rights_writer-brigid-brophy-exposes-their-motiv_2401321.jpg)
