All knives and forks were working away at a rate that was…
“All knives and forks were working away at a rate that was quite alarming; very few words were spoken; and everybody seemed to eat his utmost, in self defence, as if a famine were expected to set in before breakfast-time to-morrow morning, and it had become high time to assert the first law of nature.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Little Dorrit, 1857
People are so preoccupied with self‑preservation that they ignore communication, acting as if disaster is imminent.
In simple terms: People focus on self‑defence, neglecting dialogue.
Key Takeaway
Pause to listen before reacting.
Themes
self‑preservation
communication
anxiety
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- dinner parties
- business meetings
- family gatherings
- political negotiations
Key Concepts
social behavior
survival instinct
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize speaking or listening?
- How does fear shape your interactions?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting dialogue can worsen misunderstandings.