Meaning: The quote "If you value a man's regard, strive with him. As to liking, you like your newspaper - and despise it" by André Maurois, a French author and biographer, encapsulates a profound insight into human relationships and the complexities of human emotions. Maurois seems to suggest that true regard and respect for someone can only be achieved through effort and engagement, rather than through mere passive admiration. Likewise, he draws a parallel between the fickle nature of liking and the way we often consume and dismiss media.

The first part of the quote, "If you value a man's regard, strive with him," speaks to the idea that genuine respect and regard for someone cannot be achieved without active effort and engagement. It implies that meaningful relationships require investment and active participation. By using the word "strive," Maurois emphasizes the importance of putting in continuous effort to maintain a connection with others. This notion challenges the idea of regarding someone highly without truly understanding or engaging with them on a deeper level.

The second part of the quote, "As to liking, you like your newspaper - and despise it," draws a parallel between the way we interact with media and our attitudes toward people. The comparison suggests that our feelings of liking and disliking can be as transient and superficial as our consumption of news. We may enjoy the content of a newspaper at one moment and discard it the next, reflecting the fleeting and often shallow nature of our preferences. Similarly, our feelings toward people can be capricious, influenced by transient factors rather than a deep understanding or regard for the individual.

Maurois' quote invites reflection on the nature of human relationships and the complexities of emotions. It challenges the notion of passive admiration and calls for active engagement and effort in fostering genuine regard for others. Additionally, the comparison to our relationship with media raises questions about the authenticity and depth of our feelings and preferences.

In a broader sense, the quote encourages introspection about the nature of human interactions and the significance of investing time and effort in fostering meaningful connections. It prompts us to consider whether our regard for others is based on genuine understanding and engagement or merely superficial appreciation. Furthermore, it challenges us to reflect on the transient and often shallow nature of our likes and dislikes, both in relationships and in our consumption of media.

Overall, André Maurois' quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the dynamics of human relationships and the complexities of human emotions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of active engagement and effort in nurturing genuine regard for others, while also prompting us to reevaluate the authenticity and depth of our feelings and preferences.