The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
Life is an unbroken succession of false situations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life consists of a continuous series of misinterpretations and illusions.
Thornton Wilder's quote suggests that life is characterized by a series of misunderstandings and falsehoods that shape our perceptions and experiences. It highlights the complexity of reality and our struggle to navigate through these illusions, prompting us to question our assumptions and the authenticity of our situations.
Themes
LifeIllusionPerceptionTruthReality
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the nature of truth, someone might use this quote to illustrate the complexity of human experiences.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
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Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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