For my own part, I would rather be in company with a dead man than with an absent one; for if the dead man gives me no pleasure, at least he shows me no contempt; whereas the absent one, silently indeed, but very plainly, tells me that he does not think me worth his attention.

Summary

This quote expresses a preference for the company of a dead person over that of an absent individual. The speaker explains that even though being with a dead person may not bring pleasure, it doesn't provoke feelings of contempt either. In contrast, an absent person communicates through their absence that they do not value the speaker enough to give them their attention. The quote reflects the need for acknowledgement and the belief that indifference or neglect from others can be more hurtful than the absence of a person who is physically present.

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