Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
Man is the only animal that laughs and has a state legislature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the unique aspects of humanity, particularly our ability to laugh and create complex societal structures like governments.
Samuel Butler's quote suggests that laughter and governance are distinctly human traits. While many species exhibit forms of communication and social structure, humans uniquely combine the ability to express humor through laughter and create intricate political systems, highlighting the complexity of human nature and society.
Themes
HumorSocietyGovernmentLaughterHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the unique traits that define humanity.
More from Samuel Butler
All quotes βTo know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
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An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
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Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
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Never have a battle of wits with an unarmed person.
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