Quote by Pauline Kael
One of the surest signs of the Philistine is his reverence for the superior tastes of those who put him down.
Summary
This quote suggests that a clear indication of someone being a Philistine is their admiration for the refined preferences and judgments of individuals who belittle or look down upon them. It highlights how a person who lacks cultural or intellectual sophistication may compensate by valuing the opinions of those they consider superior, even if these individuals regard them with disdain. Essentially, the quote implies that true discernment and taste cannot be achieved by simply following the preferences of others, especially those who hold a condescending attitude towards them.
Topics
Culture
By Pauline Kael