The slight that can be conveyed in a glance, in a gracious smile, in a wave of the hand, is often the knee plus ultra of art. What insult is so keen or so keenly felt, as the polite insult which it is impossible to resent?

Summary

This quote highlights the power of subtle insult and the impact it can have over blatant disrespect. It suggests that the ability to convey an insult with grace and politeness is a remarkable skill and the epitome of art. Such a subtle insult, delivered through a mere glance, smile, or gesture, can be deeply felt by the recipient, yet they find it impossible to retaliate since the act was done with such poise. The quote brings attention to the idea that sometimes the most devastating insults are the ones that leave no room for a direct response.

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