austenchanted: ’“Esteem him?” “Like him?” Use those insipid words agai

austenchanted:

’“Esteem him?” “Like him?” Use those insipid words again and I shall leave the room this instant.’

“But I thought it was right, Elinor,” said Marianne, “to be guided wholly by the opinion of other people. I thought our judgments were given us merely to be subservient to those of neighbours. This has always been your doctrine, I am sure.”

“No, Marianne, never. My doctrine has never aimed at the subjection of the understanding. All I have ever attempted to influence has been the behaviour. You must not confound my meaning. I am guilty, I confess, of having often wished you to treat our acquaintance in general with greater attention; but when have I advised you to adopt their sentiments or to conform to their judgment in serious matters?”

[Sense & Sensibility,ch. 29]