I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker regrets being correct about a serious matter, wishing instead for joy rather than insight.
In this quote, Jane Austen expresses a sentiment of remorse for being right about a situation that brings sadness or seriousness, indicating that she would prefer the light-heartedness and joy of being merry rather than the burden of wisdom that comes with painful truths. It highlights the often bittersweet nature of knowledge and the desire for happiness over the weight of reality.
Themes
WisdomJoyRegretKnowledgeHappiness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, one could reference Austen's quote to emphasize that joy is often more desirable than being right in somber situations.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes βNobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
Jane AustenRead
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