Presence of mind Quote by Jane Austen
““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, 1815
Genuine warmth and sincerity are more valuable than polished but insincere behavior.
In simple terms: True kindness matters more than flawless appearances.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connections over superficial perfection.
Themes
friendship
authenticity
character
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meeting new people
- writing letters
- attending gatherings
- confiding in friends
Key Concepts
sincerity
emotional intelligence
social expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities do you value in friends?
- How do you show sincere warmth?
A Different Perspective
People may mistake politeness for honesty, causing mistrust.
![“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)
