For those that like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like

Can any one please explain the saying:

"For those that like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like"

Does it mean:

When someone likes some sort of thing, that sort of thing is actually what he or she could or should like? meaning that what you like reflects your personality?

Solution 1:

This is a well-known quote from Muriel Spark's novel about a teacher in a private girls school in Scotland, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie:

"For those who like that sort of thing," said Miss Brodie in her best Edinburgh voice, "That is the sort of thing they like."

(The character is talking about the Girl Guides, an organization similar to the Girl Scouts.)

Taken literally, it seems almost tautological: if you like something like this, then you'll like something like this. But the key to understanding the quote is understanding the character, who is an awful snob and convinced of her superior tastes. Miss Brodie is being dismissive (in particular of scouting activities). She's saying that if your tastes are inferior in general, i.e, if you are inclined to like things that are unworthy of serious consideration, then here is an example of something in particular that's unworthy and will thus suit your inferior tastes.