Bases Quote by Louis Kronenberger
“On a very rough-and-ready basis we might define an eccentric as a man who is a law unto himself, and a crank as one who, having determined what the law is, insists on laying it down to others. An eccentric puts ice cream on steak simply because he likes it; should a crank do so, he would endow the act with moral grandeur and straightaway denounce as sinners (or reactionaries) all who failed to follow suit. Cranks, at their most familiar, are a sort of peevish prophets, and it's not enough that they should be in the right; others must also be in the wrong.”
About This Quote
Eccentrics act on personal whims; cranks impose their own moral laws on others.
In simple terms: Eccentrics follow personal taste; cranks enforce it.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal quirks, avoid imposing beliefs.
Themes
individuality
authority
social norms
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- friend groups
- workplace
- public discourse
Key Concepts
conformity
moralism
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen personal taste become moral judgment?
- How can you balance authenticity with respect?
A Different Perspective
Crank behavior can alienate and cause conflict.
