Wine Quote by David Sedaris
““Do you mind if we make this a no-smoking bench?” There is no “we.” Our votes automatically cancel one another out. What she meant was, “Do you mind if I make this a no-smoking bench?This woman was wearing a pair of sandals, which are always a sure sign of trouble. They looked like the sort of shoes Moses might have worn while he chiseled regulations onto stone tablets. I looked at her sandals and at her rapidly moving arms and I crushed my cigarette. I acted like it was no problem and then I stared at the pages of my book, hating her and Moses — the two of them.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris, 2000
The narrator observes a social interaction where personal autonomy is overridden by collective decision, leading to resentment and self‑reflection on conformity and authority.
In simple terms: A person’s choice is ignored by group rules, causing inner conflict.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when group pressure suppresses personal agency.
Themes
autonomy
conformity
authority
resentment
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
observational
personal
When to use this quote
- public spaces
- smoking bans
- personal boundaries
- self‑control
Key Concepts
social dynamics
personal agency
group decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assert personal preferences in group settings?
- When does conformity become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Group decisions can mask individual discomfort, leading to hidden resentment.
