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Held Attitude Quote by Richard Wright

“So he held toward them an attitude of iron reserve; he lived with them, but behind a wall, a curtain. And toward himself he was even more exacting.” quote by Richard Wright
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““So he held toward them an attitude of iron reserve; he lived with them, but behind a wall, a curtain. And toward himself he was even more exacting.””

Richard Wright

About This Quote

Source Novel: Native Son by Richard Wright, 1940

The narrator keeps a strict, guarded demeanor with others, maintaining distance while demanding high standards from himself.

In simple terms: He stays emotionally distant but self‑critical.

Key Takeaway

Maintain boundaries, hold yourself accountable.

Themes

self‑discipline emotional distance personal standards

Mood

reflective detached

Type

literary character study

When to use this quote

  • teamwork
  • leadership
  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology identity self‑expectation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does emotional distance affect trust?
  • When is self‑criticism helpful?
A Different Perspective

Such reserve can hinder genuine connection and empathy.

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