What is the meaning of Horace Walpole’s Quote: “Nine-tenths of the people were created so you would want to be with the other tenth”?

Horace Walpole was an English writer, politician, and art historian, who lived in the 18th century. He is famous for his novel “The Castle of Otranto” and his contributions to the Gothic genre. Walpole is also known for his quote, “Nine-tenths of the people were created so you would want to be with the other tenth.” This quote has been widely discussed and debated over the years, with many people interpreting its meaning in different ways.

What did Horace Walpole Mean by the Quote?

Horace Walpole’s quote, “Nine-tenths of the people were created so you would want to be with the other tenth,” is often interpreted as a statement about the nature of human relationships. According to Walpole, the majority of people are uninteresting, unattractive, and unremarkable, and only a small minority possess the qualities that make them worth spending time with.

Walpole’s statement implies that the majority of people are boring, lacking in personality, and unmemorable. They are the nine-tenths of the population who do not stand out from the crowd, and who are not worth getting to know. The other tenth, on the other hand, are the interesting, unique, and memorable individuals who are worth being friends with.

The Implications of Horace Walpole’s Quote

There are several implications of Horace Walpole’s quote that are worth exploring. Firstly, it suggests that the majority of people are not worth getting to know, and that we should focus our attention on the minority who are worth our time. This can be seen as a rather elitist perspective, which suggests that only a select few are worthy of our friendship and attention.

Secondly, Walpole’s quote implies that the majority of people are boring and unmemorable. This is a rather pessimistic view of human nature, which suggests that most of us are destined to live mundane and unremarkable lives.

Finally, Horace Walpole’s quote suggests that our social circles should be composed of a small group of interesting and memorable individuals. This can be seen as a call to be more discerning in our friendships, and to seek out those who possess qualities that we admire and respect.

Conclusion

Horace Walpole’s quote, “Nine-tenths of the people were created so you would want to be with the other tenth,” is a statement that has been widely discussed and debated over the years. While it can be seen as a rather elitist and pessimistic perspective, there are valuable insights that can be gleaned from it. By being more discerning in our friendships, striving to cultivate qualities that make us interesting and memorable, and valuing ourselves and our unique qualities, we can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.