Language Quote by Charlotte Brontë
““There is something in that, I know there is, because it does not sound too sweet; it is not like such words as Liberty, Excitement, Enjoyment; delightful sounds truly; but no more than sounds for me; and so hollow and fleeting that it is mere waste of time to listen to them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, 1847
The speaker finds certain lofty ideals empty and fleeting, lacking genuine substance or lasting value.
In simple terms: Idealistic words feel hollow and wasteful.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over empty slogans.
Themes
disillusionment
language
meaning
nullphilosophy
existentialism
Mood
cynical
contemplative
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- evaluating rhetoric
- media consumption
- political discourse
Key Concepts
personal reflection
critical listening
Questions to Reflect On
- What values do you hold that might be merely decorative?
- How can you test the substance of an ideal?
A Different Perspective
Even cherished ideals can become meaningless if not lived.
