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Inferiors Quote by Marcel Proust

“Three-quarters of the mental ingenuity and the mendacious boasting squandered ever since the world began by people who are only cheapened thereby, have been aimed at inferiors.” quote by Marcel Proust
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““Three-quarters of the mental ingenuity and the mendacious boasting squandered ever since the world began by people who are only cheapened thereby, have been aimed at inferiors.””

Marcel Proust

About This Quote

Source Book: In Search of Lost Time, Marcel Proust, 1913-1927

The quote criticizes how cleverness and false bragging are misused to belittle others, serving the ego of the boastful.

In simple terms: People waste talent and lies to put down others.

Key Takeaway

Avoid using wit to demean; uplift instead.

Themes

ego class communication humility

Mood

critical reflective

Type

ethical observational

When to use this quote

  • workplace meetings
  • social media debates
  • academic presentations
  • family gatherings

Key Concepts

social hierarchy intellectual honesty psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your language affect those around you?
  • When have you seen talent used to harm?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook systemic factors that limit opportunities for the "inferiors."

2.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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