Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
What is funny about us is precisely that we take ourselves too seriously.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that our tendency to take ourselves too seriously is what makes us humorous.
Reinhold Niebuhr's quote highlights the irony of human behavior; it implies that our seriousness and self-importance can lead to comical situations. When individuals gravitate towards excessive seriousness, they often miss the lighter aspects of life, which can be both humorous and enlightening. This quote invites reflection on our own attitudes and encourages a lighter approach to life's challenges.
Themes
HumorSeriousnessLifeIronyPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a keynote speech about work-life balance, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of not taking oneself too seriously.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes βThe tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
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When I find someone I respect writing about an edgy, nervous wine that dithered in the glass, I cringe. When I hear someone I don't respect talking about an austere, unforgiving wine, I turn a bit austere and unforgiving myself. When I come across stuff like that and remember about the figs and bananas, I want to snigger uneasily. You can call a wine red, and dry, and strong, and pleasant. After that, watch out.
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Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing.
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