Sunday, June 14, 2009

Familiarity Breeds Contempt, 1722 edition



But how hell should become by degree so natural, and not only tolerable, but even agreeable, is a thing unintelligible but by those who have experienced it, as I have.


--From Moll Flanders--

BONUS 600 BC (original) edition:

When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony.

--From Aesop's Fables (The Fox and The Lion)--

I always thought "familiarity breeds contempt" was somehow negative, but the idea has a positive side. It makes sunshine out of darkness.

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