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
There's nothing like eavesdropping to show you that the world outside your head is different from the world inside your head.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Eavesdropping reveals the disparity between our inner thoughts and external realities.
This quote by Thornton Wilder suggests that listening in on others’ conversations or experiences can highlight the differences between our subjective perceptions and the objective world. It reflects the idea that our internal narratives may not align with the realities experienced by others, encouraging us to broaden our perspectives and understand that there are multiple views of reality.
Themes
EavesdroppingPerspectiveRealitySubjectiveObjectivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about how perceptions differ, one might quote Wilder to emphasize the importance of understanding other viewpoints.
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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