Eccentric Quote by John le Carré
““He would set up as a mild eccentric, discursive, withdrawn, but possessing one or two lovable habits such as muttering to himself as he bumbled along pavements. Out of date, perhaps, but who wasn't these days? Out of date, but loyal to his own time. At a certain moment, after all, every man chooses: will he go forward, will he go back? There was nothing dishonourable in not being blown about by every little modern wind. Better to have worth, to entrench, to be an oak of one's own generation.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963
A man embraces timeless values, resisting fleeting trends, choosing steadfast purpose over fleeting fashions.
In simple terms: Stay true to yourself despite changing times.
Key Takeaway
Choose lasting worth over temporary trends.
Themes
integrity
timelessness
choice
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- social pressure
- cultural change
- personal identity
Key Concepts
existentialism
personal philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What values define you beyond trends?
- How do you resist fleeting fashions?
A Different Perspective
Modern pressures can erode personal convictions.
