There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature.
Washington IrvingRead
Honest good humor is the oil and wine of a merry meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the jokes are rather small and laughter abundant.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good humor enhances social gatherings, making them more enjoyable and memorable.
In this quote, Washington Irving emphasizes the importance of light-heartedness and laughter in social interactions. He suggests that genuine humor acts as a lubricant, facilitating bonding and camaraderie among people, creating an atmosphere where joy thrives and relationships strengthen.
Themes
HumorLaughterCompanionshipJoyMeetings
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding toast, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of humor in relationships.
More from Washington Irving
All quotes βThere is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
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Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
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Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
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The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes.
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If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, how and then, prompt a happier view of human nature, and make my reader more in good humor with his fellow-beings and himself, surely, I shall not have written in vain.
Washington IrvingRead
Similar quotes
Now, some people do this for shock value. Shock is just another uptown word for surprise. Granted it has a different quality to it, but a joke is about surprising someone. I'm a great believer in context. You can joke about anything. I do like finding out where the line is drawn, deliberately crossing it and bringing some of them with me across the line, and having them be happy that I did.
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Nothing like a little judicious levity.
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A silly remark can be made in Latin as well as in Spanish.
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For what good turn? Messenger: For the best turn of the bed.
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Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.
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The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last.
Gene WilderRead