Attention Quote by Joseph Epstein
“Political correctness and so many of the political fashions of the day...could only be perpetrated in adolescent minds: minds, that is, that are trained to search out one thing and one thing only...Only an adolescent would find it worthwhile to devote his or her attention chiefly to the hunting of offenses, the possibility of slights, real and imagined.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Political Correctness” by Joseph Epstein, 1995
Adolescent minds seek out offenses, making political correctness a childish pursuit rather than mature discourse.
In simple terms: Searching for offenses is a childish habit.
Key Takeaway
Avoid obsessing over offense; seek broader dialogue.
Themes
political correctness
adolescence
discourse
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
essay
commentary
When to use this quote
- college debates
- online comment sections
- media analysis
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the urge to hunt for slights?
- How can mature dialogue replace offense hunting?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on offense can stifle honest conversation.
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