Mediocre people have an answer for everything and are astonished at nothing. They always want to have the air of knowing better than you what you are going to tell them; when, in their turn, they begin to speak, they repeat to you with the greatest confidence, as if dealing with their own property, the things that they have heard you say yourself at some other place. A capable and superior look is the natural accompaniment of this type of character.

Summary

This quote by French philosopher Jean de La Bruyère criticizes mediocre individuals who possess a noticeable arrogance and a constant need to assert their superiority. According to La Bruyère, these people are quick to provide answers to any question and remain unimpressed by new information or ideas. They often anticipate what others will say and confidently regurgitate it as their own knowledge. This behavior is characterized by an air of false authority and a lack of originality. Through this quote, La Bruyère suggests that genuine intellect and capability are exemplified by humility and a thirst for genuine knowledge.

Topics