Brother Quote by Gogol Nicolai
““And long afterwards, in moments of the greatest merriment, there would rise before him the figure of the little clerk with the balding brow, uttering his penetrating words: "Let me be. Why do you offend me?" --and in these penetrating words rang other words: "I am your brother." And the poor young man would bury his face in his hands, and many a time in his life he shuddered to see how much inhumanity there is in man, how much savege coarseness is concealed in refined, cultivated manners, and God! even in a man the world regards as noble and honorable.””
About This Quote
A humble clerk reminds us that even the noble can be cruel, and humanity harbors hidden savagery beneath refined manners.
In simple terms: Politeness can mask inner cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond appearances for true character.
Themes
humanity
hypocrisy
morality
social masks
reflection
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
Brother:0
Time:0
Young man:0
Words Brother:0
Inhumanity Man:0
Manners God:0
Brother Poor:0
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- personal ethics discussions
- cultural studies
Key Concepts
ethical introspection
social critique
philosophical inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- What masks do you see in society?
- How can we reveal hidden cruelty?
A Different Perspective
Politeness may conceal harm.
