“ After all, it is in the ability to deceive oneself that the greatest talent is shown, is it not? ”
Anatole France, The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard (1881). copy citation
| Author | Anatole France |
|---|---|
| Source | The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard |
| Topic | self-deception talent |
| Date | 1881 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2123/2123-h/2123-h.htm |
Context
“«We had made his acquaintance at Manaco, during the winter we passed there at my uncle's house. He had an adventurous disposition, but such an engaging manner! He deceived himself before ever he deceived others. After all, it is in the ability to deceive oneself that the greatest talent is shown, is it not? Well, we were captured—my husband, my uncle, and I; and we risked much more than a reasonable amount in a very hazardous undertaking. But, bah! as Paul says, since we have no children we need not worry about it.”
source
Meaning and analysis
