Baby Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
“He first selected the smallest one...and then bowed his head as though he were saying grace. Opening his mouth very wide, he struggled for a moment, after which all was over. I shall never forget the comic look of despair he cast upon the other five over-occupied shells. I asked him how he felt. 'Profoundly grateful,' he said, 'as if I had swallowed a small baby.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of Henry Esmond, 1852
A man feels deep gratitude after a modest, almost absurd, sacrifice, likening it to swallowing a tiny baby, highlighting the mix of humility and relief.
In simple terms: He is grateful for a small, strange act.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility after giving.
Themes
humility
gratitude
humor
sacrifice
Mood
reflective
lighthearted
introspective
Type
philosophical
anecdotal
When to use this quote
- personal triumph
- overcoming embarrassment
- small victories
- unexpected relief
Key Concepts
existential absurdity
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What small sacrifice made you feel oddly grateful?
- How does humor help process embarrassment?
A Different Perspective
Gratitude may mask underlying discomfort or self‑consciousness.
