Named source · 1866

Wives and Daughters Quotes by Elizabeth Gaskell: Context & Meanings

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But sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.

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“But sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.”

Elizabeth Gaskell

Meaning & context

Mr. Gibson affectionately suggests that an imprudent act motivated by care can sometimes make a person more lovable than detached good judgment.

Source details

Wives and Daughters, Chapter LIV, “Molly Gibson’s Worth Is Discovered,” Project Gutenberg #4274. Mr. Gibson smiles at Cynthia after she returns because she heard Molly was ill and says that one may like foolish people for their folly better than wise people for wisdom. It is affectionate fictional dialogue about a specific act of care, not Gaskell’s general rule against wisdom.

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