First time Quote by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
““[It] was the first time in my life I ever knew the meaning of that rare thing, tenderness. A quality different from kindliness, affectionateness, or benevolence; a quality which can exist only in strong, deep, and undemonstrative natures, and therefore in its perfection is oftenest found in men.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of the Dead, 1885
The quote describes tenderness as a rare, deep quality distinct from kindness, found in strong, quiet individuals, often men.
In simple terms: Tenderness is a deep, rare quality in strong, quiet people.
Recognize and value quiet strength.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- mental health
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify tenderness in others?
- Can quiet strength be cultivated?
May overlook tenderness in women or softer expressions.