Some people's hearts are shrunk in them, like dried nuts. You can hear 'em rattle as they walk

Some people's hearts are shrunk in them, like dried nuts. You can hear 'em rattle as they walk

Douglas Jerrold was a British playwright, humorist, and satirist known for his sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. He had a knack for capturing the essence of people in his writing, often using humor to highlight the absurdities of society. One of his most famous quotes is, “Some people's hearts are shrunk in them, like dried nuts. You can hear 'em rattle as they walk.”

This quote speaks to Jerrold's ability to see beyond the surface and recognize the true nature of individuals. He understood that some people are so consumed by their own selfishness and greed that their hearts have shriveled up, leaving them hollow and empty inside. These individuals may appear outwardly successful or charming, but their lack of empathy and compassion is evident in their actions and words.

Jerrold's comparison of these people to dried nuts is particularly apt, as nuts are often associated with nourishment and sustenance. In contrast, a dried nut is devoid of life and vitality, much like those whose hearts have shrunk within them. The sound of their hearts rattling as they walk serves as a metaphor for the emptiness and hollowness that pervades their existence.