Contemptuous Quote by Lord Dunsany
““There is indeed a great deal of futility amongst the human race which we do not commonly see, for it all forms part of our illusion; but let a man be much annoyed by something that others do, so that he is separated from them and has to leave them, and looks back at what they are doing, and he'll see at once all manner of whimsical absurdities that he had not noticed before; and Ramon Alonzo in the shade of his oak, waiting for the noon to go by, grew very contemptuous of the attitude that the world took up towards shadows.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The King of Elfland's Daughter, Lord Dunsany, 1924
Human beings often miss the absurdities of society because they are immersed in it; stepping back reveals hidden foolishness and the illusion of normalcy
In simple terms: Seeing the world from outside shows its absurdities
Key Takeaway
Step back to notice what you ignore
Themes
perception
illusion
society
humor
Mood
thoughtful
ironic
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- travel
- philosophical reflection
- creative writing
- personal insight
Key Concepts
Existentialism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What absurdities become clear when you distance yourself?
- How does distance change your judgment?
A Different Perspective
Awareness may be uncomfortable and alienating
