A clever conjurer is welcome anywhere, and those of us whose powers of entertainment are limited to the setting of booby-traps or the arranging of apple-pie beds must view with envy the much greater tribute of laughter and applause which is the lot of the prestidigitator with some natural gift for legerdemain.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the appreciation of entertainers who can easily bring joy to others, highlighting a sense of envy among those with less natural talent.
A. A. Milne expresses a sense of admiration for skilled entertainers, particularly conjurers or magicians, who can captivate audiences with their talent and charm. He contrasts their ability to earn laughter and applause with the feelings of those who may struggle to entertain and resort to simpler, less impactful methods. The quote conveys a mix of humor and a touch of longing, as it acknowledges the special grace some individuals possess in their ability to amuse others.
In practice
During a speech about the importance of laughter in life, this quote can illustrate how some individuals naturally bring joy while others may find it challenging.
And how are you?" said Winnie-the-Pooh. Eeyore shook his head from side to side. "Not very how," he said. "I don't seem to have felt at all how for a long time." "Dear, dear," said Pooh, "I'm sorry about that. Let's have a look at you.
Piglet was so excited at the idea of being Useful that he forgot to be frightened any more, and when Rabbit went on to say that Kangas were only Fierce during the winter months, being at other times of an Affectionate Disposition, he could hardly sit still, he was so eager to begin being useful at once.
Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die... Still you wait and will not try - A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly.
Did I miss?" you asked. "You didn't exactly miss," said Pooh, "But you missed the balloon." "I'm so sorry," you said, and you fired again, and this time you hit the balloon and the air came slowly out, and Winnie-the-Pooh floated down to the ground.
Come, come, come. Without a monster or two it's not a quest, merely a gaggle of friends wandering about.
Friendship," said Christopher Robin, "is a very comforting thing to have.
A lot of people who claim they're political comedians are just comedians who have opinions. But they stop being funny the minute they give their opinions.
I don't know if it's good for baseball, but it sure beats the hell out of rooming with Phil Rizzuto!
A man's only as old as the woman he feels.
A politician is an arse upon which everyone has sat except a man.
SATIRE, n. An obsolete kind of literary composition in which the vices and follies of the author's enemies were expounded with imperfect tenderness.
If God hadn't rested on Sunday, He would have had time to finish the world.
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