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I have cried even when the laugh did choke me. But no more think that I am all sorry when I cry, for the laugh he come just the same. Keep it always with you that laughter who knock at your door and say, ‘May I come in?’ is not true laughter. No! He is a king, and he come when and how he like. He ask no person, he choose no time of suitability. He say, ‘I am here.
Bram Stoker
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the complexity of emotions, showing that laughter can coexist with sadness.

Bram Stoker reflects on the intertwined nature of laughter and tears, suggesting that one should not mistake the act of crying for weakness or sorrow, as true laughter is a powerful, sovereign force that arrives on its own terms. This conveys the idea that genuine joy can arise even amidst sorrow and emphasizes the unpredictability and authority of laughter in our emotional lives.

Themes

LaughterTearsEmotionsJoySorrow

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used during a speech about resilience in the face of life's challenges.

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