Afar Quote by Thomas Hardy
“...the figure near at hand suffers on such occasions, because it shows up its sorriness without shade; while vague figures afar off are honored, in that their distance makes artistic virtues of their stains. In considering what Tess was not, he overlooked what she was, and forgot that the defective can be more than the entire.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, 1891
The quote critiques how immediate, imperfect realities are judged harshly, while distant, idealized images are revered, suggesting that flaws can embody greater truth than polished wholes.
In simple terms: Immediate flaws are judged harshly; distant ideals are praised.
Key Takeaway
Recognize value in imperfect realities.
Themes
perception
beauty
truth
judgment
imperfection
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- personal relationships
- self‑acceptance
- social evaluation
Key Concepts
Aesthetic philosophy
human nature
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance appreciation for both the flawed and the ideal?
- What biases affect your judgments of people close to you?
A Different Perspective
Idealization can blind us to deeper truths.
![“[...] "I recall what you said to me once," Will went on. "That words have the power to change us. Your words have changed me, Tess; they have made me a better man than I would have been otherwise. Life is a book, and there are a thousand pages I have not read. I would read them together with you…” quote by Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8af/cassandra-clare-9_before-i-die_i-recall-what-you-said-to-me-once-will-w_184924.jpg)
![“The perfect woman, you see [is] a working-woman; not an idler; not a fine lady; but one who [uses] her hands and her head and her heart for the good of others.” quote by Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0e/thomas-hardy-410_fine_the-perfect-woman-you-see-is-a-working-w_68254.jpg)
