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Mere Quotes

A small word, a sharp cut.

Calling something mere is a quiet way of dismissing it, and these quotes use that trick to make bigger arguments. See more wordplay-driven lines in Expression quotes.

A Librettist is a mere drudge in the world of opera.

Quotes by Robertson Davies

I abhor mere prettiness.

Quotes by Richard Burton

Words, without power, is mere philosophy.

Quotes by Muhammad Iqbal

For the bureaucrat, the world is a mere object to be manipulated by him.

Quotes by Karl Marx

Emotion Quotes

Mere bashfulness without merit is awkwardness.

Quotes by Joseph Addison

Hope, decency, and unity are not mere catchwords.

Quotes by Jon Ossoff

The here-and-now is no mere filling of time, but a filling of time with God.

Quotes by John W. Foster

Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.

Quotes by James Cash Penney

Poetry is a mere drug, Sir.

Quotes by George Farquhar

Expression Quotes

People can die of mere imagination.

Quotes by Geoffrey Chaucer

Our army is composed of the scum of the earth - the mere scum of the earth.

Quotes by Duke of Wellington

The mere imparting of information is not education.

Quotes by Carter G. Woodson

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the word mere used in these quotes?
It's used to minimize or dismiss something, describing objects, philosophy, catchwords, and bashfulness as lesser versions of what they could be.
Does one quote link mere directly to bureaucracy?
Yes, it argues that a bureaucratic mindset reduces the world to something merely there to be pushed around, criticizing a cold, transactional view of people and situations.
What is being said about philosophy in this collection?
One quote argues that words without power are mere philosophy, suggesting that ideas need real influence or action behind them to matter.
Is mere ever used to describe a personal trait?
Yes, one quote describes mere bashfulness without merit as awkwardness, drawing a distinction between shyness that has substance and shyness that doesn't.
What other topics explore language used to diminish or elevate ideas?
See Expression quotes and Judgment quotes for related themes.

Whether aimed at bureaucracy or empty slogans, mere does a lot of work in a short sentence. Continue with Identity quotes and Judgment quotes.