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Bores Quote by Oliver Goldsmith

“Well had the boding tremblers learn'd to trace The day's disasters in his morning face; Full well they laugh'd with counterfeited glee At all his jokes, for many a joke had he; Full well the busy whisper circling round Convey'd the dismal tidings when he frown'd. Yet was he kind, or if severe in…” quote by Oliver Goldsmith
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“Well had the boding tremblers learn'd to trace The day's disasters in his morning face; Full well they laugh'd with counterfeited glee At all his jokes, for many a joke had he; Full well the busy whisper circling round Convey'd the dismal tidings when he frown'd. Yet was he kind, or if severe in aught, The love he bore to learning was in fault; The village all declar'd how much he knew, 'Twas certain he could write and cipher too.”

Oliver Goldsmith

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Traveller, 1764

Depicts a learned, kind man whose reputation spreads through village gossip and admiration.

In simple terms: A scholar admired for kindness and knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Value learning and kindness.

Themes

knowledge kindness reputation community humor

Mood

respectful admiring

Type

literary character study

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • community service
  • public speaking
  • mentor roles

Key Concepts

humanism social dynamics education

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reputation affect one's influence?
  • What role does humility play in scholarship?
A Different Perspective

Gossip can distort truth.

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