Respect Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““Indeed, for my own part, though I have been repeatedly told by persons for whom I have the greatest respect, that Miss Brown is an insignificant chit, and Mrs. White has nothing but her petit minois chiffonne, and Mrs. Black has not a word to say for herself; yet I know that I have had the most delightful conversations with Mrs. Black (of course, my dear Madam, they are inviolable): I see all the men in a cluster round Mrs. White's chair: all the young fellows battling to dance with Miss Brown; and so I am tempted to think that to be despised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, 1848
He suggests that being underestimated by women can be a flattering sign of their respect.
In simple terms: Being dismissed by women can be a compliment.
Key Takeaway
Value subtle respect.
Themes
gender dynamics
social perception
humor
Mood
witty
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- workplace interactions
- literary analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
female agency
social hierarchy
conversational nuance
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about gender expectations?
- How can one interpret subtle social cues?
A Different Perspective
May overlook genuine criticism.
