Communication Quote by Edith Wharton
““It was before him again in its completeness -- the choice in which she was content to rest: in the stupid costliness of the food and the showy dulness of the talk, in the freedom of speech which never arrived at wit and the freedom to act which never made for romance. The strident setting of the restaurant, in which their table seemed set apart in a special glare of publicity, and the presence at it of little Dabham of the "Riviera Notes," emphasized the ideals of a world where conspicuousness passed for distinction, and the society column had become the roll of fame.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of Mirth, 1905
The passage critiques superficial society that values appearance over genuine wit and romance.
In simple terms: Superficiality masks true value.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over show.
Themes
society
appearance
authenticity
Mood
cynical
observational
Type
literary
satirical
When to use this quote
- dating
- networking events
- career advancement
Key Concepts
modernism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize substance over style?
- How does superficiality affect your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Superficial settings can also provide useful connections.
