--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To sit a fine Christian gentleman down in…" description: "\"“To sit a fine Christian gentleman down in close proximity to an unsavoury crowd of prostitutes was bad enough. Even worse was to allow him to be humil..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a91/william-donaldson-21749_policemen_to-sit-a-fine-christian-gentleman-down-i_614645.jpg" --- # To sit a fine Christian gentleman down in close proximity… ![“To sit a fine Christian gentleman down in close proximity to an unsavoury crowd of prostitutes was bad enough. Even worse was to allow him to be humiliated intellectually by the afore-mentioned rabble. (When you must have know perfectly well that it is not given to mere policemen, as it is to…” quote by William Donaldson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a91/william-donaldson-21749_policemen_to-sit-a-fine-christian-gentleman-down-i_614645.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a91/william-donaldson-21749_policemen_to-sit-a-fine-christian-gentleman-down-i_614645.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a91/william-donaldson-21749_policemen_to-sit-a-fine-christian-gentleman-down-i_614645.jpg) > ““To sit a fine Christian gentleman down in close proximity to an unsavoury crowd of prostitutes was bad enough. Even worse was to allow him to be humiliated intellectually by the afore-mentioned rabble. (When you must have know perfectly well that it is not given to mere policemen, as it is to street-walkers, to think coherently on their feet).”” [William Donaldson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-donaldson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote criticizes exposing refined individuals to vulgar, disruptive environments that degrade their intellect and dignity. **In simple terms:** Being around corrupt crowds harms a refined mind. Key Takeaway Avoid placing high-minded people in degrading settings. Themes class intellect corruption social environment dignity Mood critical reflective cautious Type satirical social commentary philosophical When to use this quote - political meetings - court gatherings - public debates - media panels Key Concepts elitism social decay intellectual integrity Questions to Reflect On - How does environment shape intellectual performance? - Can dignity maintain dignity in hostile crowds? A Different Perspective Such settings can also provoke conflict or misinterpretation, limiting constructive dialogue. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Policemen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/policemen/) ## Related quotes > [If you knew the true value of yourself, you will never allow yourself to be humiliated by committing sins.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya/if-you-knew-the-true-value-of-yourself-you-will-never-allow-yourself/) [Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya/) > [“I strip myself emotionally when I confess need – that I would be lost without you, that I am not necessarily the independent person…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alain-de-botton/i-strip-myself-emotionally-when-i-confess-need-that-i-would-be-lost/) [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) > [For Faith is the beginning and the end is love, and God is the two of them brought into unity. After these comes whatever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ignatius-of-antioch/for-faith-is-the-beginning-and-the-end-is-love-and-god-is-the-two-of/) [Ignatius of Antioch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ignatius-of-antioch/) > [“As far as it is possible for one upright Christian gentleman to dislike another upright Christian gentleman, Lord Caterham disliked the Hon. 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