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Air Quote by Horace Walpole

“Two large prominent eyes that rolled about to no purpose (for he was utterly short-sighted) a wide mouth, thick lips and inflated visage, gave him the air of a blind trumpeter. A deep untuneable voice which, instead of modulating, he enforced with unnecsessary pomp, a total neglect of his person…” quote by Horace Walpole
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“Two large prominent eyes that rolled about to no purpose (for he was utterly short-sighted) a wide mouth, thick lips and inflated visage, gave him the air of a blind trumpeter. A deep untuneable voice which, instead of modulating, he enforced with unnecsessary pomp, a total neglect of his person, and ignorance of every civil attention, disgusted all who judge by appearance.”

Horace Walpole

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, 1764

A pompous, self‑important person, blind to reality, uses grandiose speech to mask his ignorance, alienating others.

In simple terms: A loud, clueless person annoys people.

Key Takeaway

Beware empty over‑confidence and empty rhetoric.

Themes

pride communication self‑awareness

Mood

irritated critical

Type

observational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • political speeches
  • corporate presentations
  • social media posts
  • personal interactions

Key Concepts

hubris appearance vs. reality social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you judge others by their words or actions?
  • How can you spot substance beneath show?
A Different Perspective

His flamboyance may hide genuine talent, so dismissing him outright could miss value.

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