From Snobbery (by the incomparable Joseph Epstein):
"High standards generally — about workmanship in the creation of objects, about what is owed in friendship, about the quality of art, and much else — far from being snobbish, are required to maintain decency in life. When the people who value these things are called snobs, the word is usually being used in a purely sour-grapes way. 'Elitist,' a politically super-charged word, is almost invariably another sour-grapes word, at least when used to denigrate people who insist on a high standard... Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant."
Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant.
Putting the power of words back in the mouths of the people.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Aren’t you a bunch of elitist snobs?
FAQ # 7
::
Not at all. We’re just a group of charming radicals who love first-class words. If you met us on the street, you would be favorably impressed by our charisma and sparkling conversation.
From Snobbery (by the incomparable Joseph Epstein):
"High standards generally — about workmanship in the creation of objects, about what is owed in friendship, about the quality of art, and much else — far from being snobbish, are required to maintain decency in life. When the people who value these things are called snobs, the word is usually being used in a purely sour-grapes way. 'Elitist,' a politically super-charged word, is almost invariably another sour-grapes word, at least when used to denigrate people who insist on a high standard... Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant."
Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant.
2 Comments:
From Snobbery (by the incomparable Joseph Epstein):
"High standards generally — about workmanship in the creation of objects, about what is owed in friendship, about the quality of art, and much else — far from being snobbish, are required to maintain decency in life. When the people who value these things are called snobs, the word is usually being used in a purely sour-grapes way. 'Elitist,' a politically super-charged word, is almost invariably another sour-grapes word, at least when used to denigrate people who insist on a high standard... Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant."
Delight in excellence is easily confused with snobbery by the ignorant.
Just remember that.
And impressed by your modesty, naturally!
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