QuoteProject
The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
Oliver Goldsmith
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that a loud laugh can often be a sign of an empty or superficial mindset.

This quote by Oliver Goldsmith highlights the idea that a loud laugh can be superficial and may not reflect deeper understanding or wisdom. It implies that those who might laugh the loudest may do so to cover up their lack of substance or thoughtfulness, hinting at the contrast between genuine intelligence and mere surface-level expressions of joy.

Themes

LaughMindVacantSuperficialityHumor

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about superficial behaviors, one might say, 'Remember what Goldsmith said: The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.'

More from Oliver Goldsmith

Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
A mind too vigorous and active, serves only to consume the body to which it is joined.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Whatever the skill of any country may be in the sciences, it is from its excellence in polite learning alone that it must expect a character from posterity.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Life at the greatest and best is but a froward child, that must be humored and coaxed a little till it falls asleep, and then all the care is over.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,_x000D_ _x000D_ Adorns and cheers our way;_x000D_ _x000D_ And still, as darker grows the night,_x000D_ _x000D_ Emits a brighter ray.
Oliver GoldsmithRead

Similar quotes

My character is self-important, poorly informed, well-intentioned but an idiot. So we said, `Let's give him a promotion.'
Stephen ColbertRead
'Have some wine,' the March Hare said in an encouraging tone. Alice looked around the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. 'I don't see any wine,' she remarked. 'There isn't any,' said the March Hare.
Lewis CarrollRead
It never seems to occur to some people, that, like beauty, a sense of humor may sometimes be fatal.
Edgar Rice BurroughsRead
I was number 1 on the who's likely to die list for 10 years...I was really disappointed when I fell off that list.
Keith RichardsRead
Well, the most terrible fear that anybody should have is not war, is not a disease, not cancer or heart problems or food poisoning - it's a man or a woman without a sense of humor.
Jonathan WintersRead
While not exactly disgruntled, he was far from feeling gruntled. He spoke with a certain what-is-it in his voice, and I could see that, if not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled.
P. G. WodehouseRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Oliver Goldsmith | QuoteProject