Books · 1823
Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off the edge of admiration.
— William Hazlitt · Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Being around someone constantly may not make you despise them, but it dulls the shine of your admiration. The phrasing is a careful hedge: contempt isn't the problem, just a gradual blunting, the way a knife loses its sharpness with everyday use.
Context reviewed