Nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the onset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have a malady in the less attractive forms.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that laughter is a universal response to events, even in challenging times, reflecting a perspective on human nature.
In this quote, Charles Dickens reflects on the duality of human response to events in life, implying that regardless of circumstances, laughter is a common and often shared reaction among people. By suggesting that some may prefer to laugh despite adversity rather than suffer silently, Dickens highlights the importance of humor as a coping mechanism and a part of the human experience.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, this quote can emphasize the role of humor during tough times.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
If you can make someone laugh who's dead set against you, that's the first step to winning them over to your side.
A prohibitionist is the sort of man one couldn't care to drink with, even if he drank.
Mostly I just kill time," he said, "and it dies hard.
I'm so fast I could hit you before God gets the news.
My face looks like a wedding-cake left out in the rain.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the piano player!
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.