Limited minds can recognize limitations only in others.
Her own limits were the limits of her horizon; but limited minds can recognize limitations only in others. And so she felt that her outlook was very wide indeed, and that where his conflicted with hers marked his limitations.
It was the old tragedy of insularity trying to serve as mentor to the universal.
Hers was that common insularity of mind that makes human creatures believe that their color, creed, and politics are best and right and that other human creatures scattered over the world are less fortunately placed than they. It was the same insularity of mind that made the ancient Jew thank God he was not born a woman, and sent the modern missionary god-substituting to the ends of the earth; and it made Ruth desire to shape this man from other crannies of life into the likeness of the men who lived in her particular cranny of life.
Everyone sees what they want to see.
— One can't just decide to be a vintner, and then conveniently become one. There are dynasties at play.
— That isn't true in California.
— I rest my case.
— You're a snob.
— Am I?
— It limits you.