Common purpose Quote by Charlotte Brontë
““Tell me now, fairy as you are - can't you give me a charm, or a philter, or something of that sort, to make me a handsome man?" "It would be past the power of magic, sir;" and, in thought, I added, "A loving eye is all the charm needed: to such you are handsome enough; or rather, your sternness has a power beyond beauty." Mr. Rochester had sometimes read my unspoken thoughts with an acumen to me incomprehensible: in the present instance he took no notice of my abrupt vocal response; but he smiled at me with a certain smile he had of his own, and which he used but on rare occasions. He seemed to think too good for common purpose: it was the real sunshine of feeling - he shed it over me now.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, 1847
A character seeks external magic for attractiveness, but the narrator suggests love and inner qualities are true charms; the other character recognizes deeper value beyond beauty.
In simple terms: Love and inner worth matter more than looks.
Key Takeaway
Value inner qualities over superficial charm.
Themes
love
self‑esteem
inner beauty
perception
relationships
Mood
reflective
hopeful
romantic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- courtship
- self‑improvement
- confidence building
- overcoming insecurity
Key Concepts
self‑worth
authenticity
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner qualities do you cherish most?
- How can you nurture self‑love?
A Different Perspective
Physical attractiveness cannot replace emotional connection.
![“Beneath the surface of repartee and mock seriousness, [Plato's Phaedrus] is asking whether we ought to prefer a neuter form of speech to the kind which is ever getting us aroused over things and provoking an expense of spirit.” quote by Richard M. Weaver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da2/richard-m-weaver-7447_asking_beneath-the-surface-of-repartee-and-mock_1324161.jpg)
