We must never expect discretion in first love: it is accompanied by such excessive joy that unless the joy is allowed to overflow, it will choke you.
Alexandre DumasRead
I do not often laugh, sir, as you may perceive by the air of my countenance; but nevertheless, I retain the privilege of laughing when I please.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker acknowledges their serious demeanor but asserts their right to find joy and laugh when they choose.
In this quote, Alexandre Dumas humorously illustrates the contrast between personal disposition and the freedom to express joy. The speaker admits to not being easily perceived as a person who laughs, yet emphasizes that laughter is a personal choice and a privilege one can exercise at any time, regardless of their outward appearance.
Themes
LaughterPrivilegeSeriousnessJoyFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about overcoming challenges, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of finding joy.
More from Alexandre Dumas
All quotes →There are two ways of seeing: with the body and with the soul. The body's sight can sometimes forget, but the soul remembers forever.
Alexandre DumasRead
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.
Alexandre DumasRead
Those born to wealth, and who have the means of gratifying every wish, know not what is the real happiness of life, just as those who have been tossed on the stormy waters of the ocean on a few frail planks can alone realize the blessings of fair weather.
Alexandre DumasRead
It is the way of weakened minds to see everything through a black cloud. The soul forms its own horizons; your soul is darkened, and consequently the sky of the future appears stormy and unpromising
Alexandre DumasRead
Yet man will never be perfect until he learns to create and destroy; he does know how to destroy, and that is half the battle.
Alexandre DumasRead
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