“In literature as in ethics, there is danger, as well as glory, in being subtle. Aristocracy isolates - and isolation brings its own reward”
— Charles Baudelaire
Simplified Meaning:
When someone is very subtle or sophisticated, both in writing and in how they live their life, it can be risky. While they might create impressive works or have a refined lifestyle, they might also end up alone because not everyone will understand them. For example, an author who writes very complex novels might be admired by a few people, but most readers might find their books too difficult to enjoy. This admiration from a small group can give them a sense of pride, but it can also mean they are isolated from a larger audience. Similarly, in life, if someone always acts in a very refined or exclusive way, they might only associate with a small group of people like them. This can make them feel special, but it also means they might miss out on connections with a wider variety of people. Balancing sophistication with approachability is important to avoid feeling too isolated. So, while being subtle and exclusive can bring some benefits, it’s also important to stay connected with others to avoid loneliness.
