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Able Quote by George Eliot

“These fellow-mortals, every one, must be accepted as they are: you can neither straighten their noses, nor brighten their wit, nor rectify their dispositions; and it is these people-amongst whom your life is passed-that it is needful you should tolerate, pity, and love: it is these more or less…” quote by George Eliot
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“These fellow-mortals, every one, must be accepted as they are: you can neither straighten their noses, nor brighten their wit, nor rectify their dispositions; and it is these people-amongst whom your life is passed-that it is needful you should tolerate, pity, and love: it is these more or less ugly, stupid, inconsistent people whose movements of goodness you should be able to admire-for whom you should cherish all possible hopes, all possible patience.”

George Eliot

About This Quote

Source Novel: Middlemarch by George Eliot, 1871

We must accept and love others despite their flaws, recognizing their humanity and potential for goodness.

In simple terms: Accept and love imperfect people.

Key Takeaway

Practice tolerance and compassion.

Themes

tolerance compassion humanity acceptance

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

ethical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community building
  • conflict resolution
  • mentoring
  • volunteering

Key Concepts

moral philosophy empathy social harmony

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you show love to someone you find difficult?
  • What limits does tolerance have?
A Different Perspective

People may not change, and tolerance can be exhausting.

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