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
Ninety-nine percent of the people in the world are fools and the rest of us are in great danger of contagion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that most people lack wisdom and that their foolishness can negatively influence the more rational among us.
Thornton Wilder's quote reflects a cynical view of humanity, proposing that the majority of people lack critical thinking and wisdom, and thus, the few who do possess these qualities must protect themselves from being influenced or swayed by the masses. It emphasizes the danger of conforming to popular opinion or behavior, which is often misguided or foolish. The notion of contagion implies that foolishness is not only prevalent but also infectious, urging individuals to be vigilant in thinking for themselves.
Themes
FoolishnessWisdomInfluenceCritical ThinkingAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion on the importance of independent thinking versus following the crowd.
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.
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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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