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
But there comes a moment in everybody's life when he must decide whether he'll live among the human beings or not - a fool among fools or a fool alone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the internal struggle of choosing between conformity and solitude in social situations.
Thornton Wilder's quote emphasizes a crucial decision point in life where an individual must choose whether to align themselves with the group, often accepting foolishness for the sake of belonging, or to stand alone, potentially feeling isolated but true to oneself. This moment of decision illustrates the tension between societal pressures and personal integrity, highlighting the complexity of human relationships and the varying degrees of wisdom we encounter in social interactions.
Themes
LifeDecisionSolitudeConformityWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal integrity and choices.
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.
Thornton WilderRead
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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