Human intelligence Quote by Saki
““What do you think of human intelligence?" asked Mavis Pellington lamely. "Of whose intelligence in particular?" asked Tobermory coldly. "Oh, well, mine for instance," said Mavis with a feeble laugh. "You put me in an embarrassing position," said Tobermory, whose tone and attitude certainly did not suggest a shred of embarrassment. "When your inclusion in this house-party was suggested Sir Wilfrid protested that you were the most brainless woman of his acquaintance, and that there was a wide distinction between hospitality and the care of the feeble-minded. Lady Blemley replied that your lack of brain-power was the precise quality which had earned you your invitation, as you were the only person she could think of who might be idiotic enough to buy their old car. You know, the one they call 'The Envy of Sisyphus,' because it goes quite nicely up-hill if you push it.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Envy of Sisyphus” by Saki, 1914
Characters debate intelligence, using sarcasm to expose social pretensions and absurdities.
In simple terms: They mock each other's intelligence.
Key Takeaway
Question superficial judgments and value genuine insight.
Themes
satire
social critique
intelligence
Mood
witty
critical
Type
philosophical
humorous
When to use this quote
- Political discourse
- academic debate
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
ego
class
absurdity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess true intelligence?
- What role does sarcasm play in conversation?
A Different Perspective
Humor can mask deeper insecurities.
![“[On George H.W. Bush:] A man who wishes to lead the Western world should be able to find the right words, string them together in coherent sentences, and steer them to an intelligible conclusion. His sentences have the stuttering start of an old car on a cold morning. They never run smoothly. The…” quote by Mary McGrory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/11b/mary-mcgrory-28645_able_on-george-h-w-bush-a-man-who-wishes-to-l_167495.jpg)
![“Even as they sought their destruction, many considered them [wolves] "possessed of near human intelligence," according Stanley Young, one so refined and subtle that it "at times caused the greatest wonderment.” quote by Bruce Hampton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b63/bruce-hampton-25483_human-intelligence_even-as-they-sought-their-destruction-ma_94849.jpg)
