“Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and intrusively invaded”
— Fyodor Dostoevsky
Simplified Meaning:
When people feel that their personal thoughts, feelings, or privacy are being disrespected or overlooked, they might use sarcasm to protect themselves. Imagine a person who likes to keep their life private. If someone starts asking them very personal questions in a rude way, instead of directly confronting the person, they might respond with a sarcastic comment. This sarcastic reply is a way for them to put up a barrier and avoid getting hurt by the intrusiveness. It's like a shield that lets them make a point without showing too much emotion or vulnerability. By using sarcasm, they're saying, "You're crossing a line," but in a way that keeps their dignity intact. So, if you're in a situation where someone is being too nosey or disrespectful, using a bit of sarcasm might help you keep your cool and protect your feelings. It’s a clever way to handle awkward or uncomfortable interactions without getting too confrontational.