Consequently the student who is devoid of talent will derive no more profit from this work than barren soil from a treatise on agriculture.
QuintilianRead
A laugh, if purchased at the expense of propriety, costs too much.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Laughing at inappropriate moments undermines the value of laughter.
Quintilian suggests that while laughter is a joy, it should not come at the cost of decency or respectability. The true cost of laughter that disregards propriety can lead to greater societal or personal consequences, indicating that there is a right time and place for humor.
Themes
LaughterProprietyHumorCostDecency
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about the importance of respectful communication.
More from Quintilian
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Whilst we deliberate how to begin a thing, it grows too late to begin it.
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A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.
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An evil-speaker differs from an evil-doer only in the want of opportunity.
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It is the nurse that the child first hears, and her words that he will first attempt to imitate.
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