Presence of mind Quote by Jane Austen
““Mr. Elliot was rational, discreet, polished, – but he was not open. There was never any burst of feeling, any warmth of indignation or delight, at the evil or good of others. This, to Anne, was a decided imperfection. Her early impressions were incurable. She prized the frank, the open-hearted, the eager character beyond all others. Warmth and enthusiasm did captivate her still. She felt that she could so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked or said a careless or a hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Emma by Jane Austen, 1815
The character is rational and polished but lacks emotional openness, which the narrator sees as a flaw, preferring sincerity and warmth.
In simple terms: A rational person can seem cold and imperfect compared to open, sincere people.
Key Takeaway
Value emotional honesty alongside rationality.
Themes
emotional openness
authenticity
judgment
perfection
relationships
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
literary
character study
When to use this quote
- friendship
- romantic courtship
- social interactions
Key Concepts
rationality
emotional intelligence
character analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a calm demeanor be advantageous?
- What balance should be struck between rationality and openness?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook the benefits of composure and restraint in certain situations.
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
