Acquaintance Quote by H. L. Mencken
“Setting aside the vast herd which shows no definable character at all, it seems to me that the minority distinguished by what is commonly regarded as an excess of sin is very much more admirable than the minority distinguished by an excess of virtue. My experience of the world has taught me that the average wine-bibbler is a far better fellow than the average prohibitionist, and that the average rogue is better company than the average poor drudge, and that the worst white-slave trader of my acquaintance is a decenter man than the best vice crusader.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The American Language” by H. L. Mencken, 1912
He argues that people with moral flaws are often more interesting and valuable than those who are overly virtuous.
In simple terms: Flawed people can be more admirable than overly virtuous ones.
Key Takeaway
Value authenticity over superficial virtue.
Themes
human nature
authenticity
virtue
flaws
societal norms
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- literary analysis
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
social critique
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a flawed person admirable?
- Can virtue be genuine without excess?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on flaws can excuse harmful behavior.
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
![“[On an anarchist acquaintance:] Everything in appearance the most alarmist aunt could wish.” quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae9/sylvia-townsend-warner-7063_acquaintance_on-an-anarchist-acquaintance-everything_72515.jpg)
![“[Books] will visit you at your convenience, whether you are lonesome or not, on rainy days or fair. They propose themselves as either transient acquaintances or permanent friends. They will stay as long as you like, departing or returning as you wish. Their friendship entails no obligation. Best…” quote by Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08b/clifton-fadiman-11053_acquaintance_books-will-visit-you-at-your-convenience_75546.jpg)
