The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
Favors cease to be favors when there are conditions attached to them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True favors are given selflessly, without expecting anything in return.
This quote by Thornton Wilder emphasizes the idea that a genuine act of kindness should be free from conditions or expectations. When a favor is offered with strings attached, it transforms into a transaction rather than a true act of goodwill, thereby losing its essence as a favor.
Themes
FavorsRelationshipsKindnessSelflessnessConditions
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting about collaboration and support, this quote highlights the importance of genuine assistance.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
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Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Thornton WilderRead
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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