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
There is nothing like eavesdropping to show you that the world outside your head is different from the world inside your head.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Eavesdropping reveals the contrast between our inner thoughts and external reality.
This quote by Thornton Wilder suggests that listening to the conversations of others can provide a new perspective on reality, highlighting the differences between our personal thoughts and the views of the world around us. It emphasizes how engaging with outside voices can challenge our internal narrative and broaden our understanding of human experience.
Themes
EavesdroppingPerspectiveInner ThoughtsRealityUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about perception, one might say, 'As Thornton Wilder famously noted, eavesdropping reveals how differently we view the world.'
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.
Thornton WilderRead
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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