“But the conceited man did not hear him. Conceited people never hear anything but praise.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote:
In this quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, the author highlights the characteristic of conceited people to only pay attention to praise and disregard any criticism or differing opinions. This behavior indicates a lack of humility and an inflated sense of self-importance. The inability of the conceited man to hear anything but praise ultimately isolates him from genuine connection and understanding with others.
The Dangers of Conceit
In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic tale "The Little Prince," the conceited man epitomizes the dangers of being self-absorbed and deaf to criticism. In today's society, the quote "But the conceited man did not hear him. Conceited people never hear anything but praise" serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and openness to feedback. As individuals, it is crucial to remain receptive to different perspectives and not let pride blind us from self-improvement and personal growth.
Examples of Usage
In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, the author explores the concept of conceit through the character of the conceited man. The following quote illustrates how someone who is conceited is often so preoccupied with their own self-importance that they are unable to acknowledge anything other than praise.
Reflection Questions
Reflect on a time when you may have been too focused on seeking praise or validation from others. How did this impact your ability to truly listen and engage with others around you? How can you work towards being more open and receptive to feedback and criticism, even when it may not be purely positive?
Similar quotes
“Conceited people never hear anything but praise.”
“Vain men never hear anything but praise.”
“For, to conceited men, all other men are admirers.”
“He who is different from me does not impoverish me - he enriches me. Our unity is constituted in something higher than ourselves - in Man... For no man seeks to hear his own echo, or to find his reflection in the glass.”
“I have no right to say or do anything that diminishes a man in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him but what he thinks of himself. Hurting a man in his dignity is a crime.”
“I know a planet where there is a certain red-faced gentleman. He has never smelled a flower. He has never looked at a star. He has never loved any one. He has never done anything in his life but add up figures. And all day he says over and over, just like you: 'I am busy with matters of consequence!' And that makes him swell up with pride. But he is not a man - he is a mushroom!”