Free time Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““We must distinguish between ‘sentimental’ and ‘sensitive’. A sentimentalist may be a perfect brute in his free time. A sensitive person is never a cruel person. Sentimental Rousseau, who could weep over a progressive idea, distributed his many natural children through various poorhouses and workhouses and never gave a hoot for them. A sentimental old maid may pamper her parrot and poison her niece. The sentimental politician may remember Mother’s Day and ruthlessly destroy a rival. Stalin loved babies. Lenin sobbed at the opera, especially at the Traviata.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Invitation to a Beheading, Vladimir Nabokov, 1936
Distinguishes sentimentalism (self‑indulgent feeling) from true sensitivity (genuine empathy), warning that sentiment can mask cruelty.
In simple terms: Sentiment can hide cruelty; sensitivity shows true kindness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate genuine empathy, not shallow sentiment.
Themes
empathy
morality
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- politics
- personal relationships
- art criticism
Key Concepts
sentimentality
sensitivity
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you equate feeling with kindness?
- How can we recognize true empathy?
A Different Perspective
Sentiment may justify harmful actions despite caring façade.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
