Meaning: This thought-provoking quote by Marcel Proust, a renowned French author, reflects on the ever-changing nature of societal attitudes and beliefs. Proust suggests that what may seem paradoxical or contradictory in the present will eventually become accepted as commonplace or even prejudiced in the future. He attributes this evolution to the transient influence of fashion and the fleeting nature of cultural trends.

Proust's assertion about the paradoxes of today becoming the prejudices of tomorrow can be interpreted in various ways. One interpretation is that societal norms and values are constantly in flux, and what is considered acceptable or fashionable at one point in time may be seen as outdated or misguided in the future. This notion aligns with the idea of historical progress and the continuous reevaluation of past beliefs and practices.

The author's reference to "the most benighted and the most deplorable prejudices" highlights the potential for even the most entrenched and harmful biases to be subject to change over time. Proust seems to be suggesting that prejudices, no matter how deeply ingrained, are not immune to the shifting tides of societal attitudes and opinions. This perspective underscores the idea that progress and enlightenment can lead to the eventual rejection of once widely held prejudices.

Proust's use of the term "novelty" in relation to prejudices is particularly noteworthy. It implies that prejudices, like trends or fads, can experience a period of initial acceptance or even admiration before being discarded or condemned by society. This concept challenges the notion that prejudices are purely rooted in long-standing traditions or immutable beliefs, suggesting instead that they can emerge as fashionable or trendy before being discredited.

The phrase "when fashion lent them its fragile grace" further emphasizes the transient nature of prejudices. By likening the influence of fashion to the temporary endorsement of prejudices, Proust highlights the idea that societal attitudes are subject to external forces and are often swayed by ephemeral influences. This notion underscores the malleability of cultural perceptions and the potential for widespread shifts in mindset over time.

Overall, Proust's quote prompts us to consider the fluidity of societal attitudes and the potential for even the most deeply ingrained prejudices to be reevaluated and ultimately discarded. It serves as a reminder that what is considered paradoxical or unconventional in the present may very well become the prevailing prejudice of the future. This perspective encourages critical reflection on the dynamics of cultural change and the ongoing evolution of societal norms and values.