Attorney Quote by Honore de Balzac
“Modern society includes three types of men who can never think very highly of the world--the priest, the physician, and the attorney-at-law. They all wear black, too, for are they not in mourning for every virtue and every illusion?”
About This Quote
Balzac satirically suggests that professionals bound by institutional authority—religion, medicine, law—become cynical, seeing the world as a loss of ideals and delusions.
In simple terms: Professionals become disillusioned.
Key Takeaway
Authority breeds cynicism.
Themes
Cynicism
Professionalism
Moral decay
Social critique
Illusion vs reality
Mood
Wry
Reflective
Type
Satire
Social commentary
When to use this quote
- A doctor confronting medical bureaucracy
- A lawyer facing legal corruption
- A priest witnessing religious hypocrisy
Key Concepts
Power structures
Ethics
Human nature
Practical Applications
- Literary analysis of satire
- Discussion of professional ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does institutional pressure shape personal worldview?
- Can one maintain optimism within these roles?
A Different Perspective
Not all professionals become cynical; many retain hope and integrity.
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