Another man Quote by Erving Goffman
““When an individual becomes over-involved in a topic of conversation, others are drawn from the talk to the talker. One man's eagerness is another man's alienation. Readiness to become over-involved is a form of tyranny practiced by children, prima donnas and lords, placing feelings above moral rules that should have made society safe for interaction.””
About This Quote
Over‑involvement in conversation can dominate discourse, alienating others and imposing personal feelings over shared moral norms, a behavior likened to a form of tyranny.
In simple terms: Domineering talk alienates others.
Key Takeaway
Excessive enthusiasm can become oppressive.
Themes
communication
power dynamics
social interaction
tyranny
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- online forums
- classroom discussions
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
self‑centeredness
norm enforcement
Practical Applications
- Encourage balanced participation
- Set clear conversational norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we distinguish healthy enthusiasm from oppressive dominance?
- What mechanisms protect dialogue from becoming tyrannical?
A Different Perspective
Some passionate engagement is necessary for progress; labeling all enthusiasm as tyranny may suppress valuable input.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
