"To say 'we' and mean 'I' is one of the most recondite insults"

Theodor Adorno's quote is a commentary on making use of language and the power of words. He is recommending that when someone uses the word "we" to describe themselves, it is a subtle way of insulting somebody else. By using the word "we," the speaker is indicating that they are part of a bigger group, while simultaneously leaving out the other individual. This is a subtle method of belittling the other person and making them feel inferior. Adorno's quote is a tip that words can be powerful which we must bear in mind how we use them. We must understand the implications of our words and how they can affect others. By bearing in mind our language, we can prevent accidentally insulting others.