I'm really very sorry for you all, but it's an unjust world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances.
W. S. GilbertRead
I'm very good at integral and differential calculus, I know the scientific names of beings animalculous; In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral, I am the very model of a modern Major-General.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously portrays a character who is overly proud of his knowledge and skills.
In this quote, W. S. Gilbert presents a comic character who boasts about his extensive knowledge across various fields, including calculus and biology, while using exaggerated language to emphasize his pride and self-importance. The humor lies in the absurdity of the character's claim to be an expert in so many areas while remaining oblivious to the fact that such broad knowledge is both unrealistic and comically pretentious.
Themes
KnowledgeHumorPrideExpertiseAbsurdity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of humility in learning, one might use this quote to illustrate how overconfidence can be humorous.
More from W. S. Gilbert
All quotes →Similar quotes
If I close my eyes and think of Hollywood, all I see is one big varicose vein.
Marilyn MonroeRead
I'm only a beer teetotaler, not a champagne teetotaler; I don't like beer.
George Bernard ShawRead
I think a rotisserie is like a really morbid ferris wheel for chickens. It’s a strange piece of machinery . . . We will take the chicken, kill it, impale it, and then rotate it. And I’ll be damned if I’m not hungry! Because spinning chicken carcasses make my mouth water! I like dizzy chicken. With a side of potatoes of some sort.
Mitch HedbergRead
I think we're all good and bad, but good's not funny. Bad is funny. Suppress the good and let the bad out, and then you can be funny.
Larry DavidRead
I live in a neighborhood so bad that you can get shot while getting shot.
Chris RockRead
The dog is very smart. He feels sorry for me because I receive so much mail; that's why he tries to bite the mailman.
Albert EinsteinRead