Accidents Quote by Elinor Glyn
“Everything is 'colossalized' - events, fortunes, accidents, climate, conversation, ambitions - everything is in the extreme ... They can't even have a tram run off a line, which in England or France might kill one or two people, without its making a holocaust of half a street full. ... The thing which surprises me is they should still employ animals of normal size; one would expect to see elephants and mammoths drawing the hansoms and carts!”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, early 20th century commentary on modern society
The quote exaggerates how contemporary life magnifies every event to catastrophic proportions, making ordinary mishaps seem disastrous.
In simple terms: Modern life overblows problems.
Key Takeaway
Recognize scale and avoid panic.
Themes
exaggeration
modernity
perception
Mood
anxious
critical
reflective
Type
observational
satirical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- media consumption
- risk assessment
- public policy
Key Concepts
hyperbole
cultural critique
anthropomorphism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media shape our sense of danger?
- What would a balanced perspective look like?
A Different Perspective
The hyperbolic tone may misrepresent actual risks, leading to unnecessary fear.
