Coats Quote by Karl Kraus
“There is a cultural taste which tries very hard to get rid of the lice in a fur coat. There is another which tolerates the lice and thinks the coat can be worn with them in it. And finally there is a taste which regards the lice as the most important thing about the coat and consequently places the coat at the lice's disposal.”
About This Quote
He critiques three attitudes toward problems: ignoring them, tolerating them, or obsessing over them.
In simple terms: Different ways people handle issues.
Choose balanced, constructive responses.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- organizational change
- personal habits
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Which attitude best serves societal improvement?
- How to shift from obsession to constructive action?
Overemphasis on flaws can hinder progress.