---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But a man of tender sensitivities finds…"
description: "\"“But a man of tender sensitivities finds disruption unpleasant; he finds it unpleasant to break in on a well-constructed train of thought with his own ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5be/thomas-mann-1103_anti-intellectual_but-a-man-of-tender-sensitivities-finds_1127163.jpg"
---

#  But a man of tender sensitivities finds disruption…

![“But a man of tender sensitivities finds disruption unpleasant; he finds it unpleasant to break in on a well-constructed train of thought with his own logical or historical objections culled from memory, and even in the anti-intellectual he will honor and respect the intellect. Today we can see…” quote by Thomas Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5be/thomas-mann-1103_anti-intellectual_but-a-man-of-tender-sensitivities-finds_1127163.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5be/thomas-mann-1103_anti-intellectual_but-a-man-of-tender-sensitivities-finds_1127163.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5be/thomas-mann-1103_anti-intellectual_but-a-man-of-tender-sensitivities-finds_1127163.jpg)

> ““But a man of tender sensitivities finds disruption unpleasant; he finds it unpleasant to break in on a well-constructed train of thought with his own logical or historical objections culled from memory, and even in the anti-intellectual he will honor and respect the intellect. Today we can see clearly enough that it was the mistake of our civilization to have been all too generous in exercising such forbearance and respect—since on the opposing side we were indeed dealing with naked insolence and the most determined intolerance.””

[Thomas Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-mann/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intellectuals may resist disruption, yet excessive tolerance can enable arrogance and intolerance, demanding balanced critique.

**In simple terms:** Too much tolerance can breed arrogance.

Key Takeaway

Balance respect with critical scrutiny.

Themes

intellectual humility critique tolerance

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- academic debates
- political discourse
- media commentary

Key Concepts

philosophy social dynamics ethics

Questions to Reflect On

- When should we challenge respected ideas?
- How to distinguish healthy debate from disrespect?

A Different Perspective

Blind respect may stifle progress.

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