Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep him from the commission of all sins, or nearly all, save those worth committing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A sharp sense of humor helps individuals recognize their own flaws and prevents them from making serious mistakes.
This quote suggests that possessing a strong sense of humor allows a person to see their own ridiculousness, which can lead to greater self-awareness and moral reflection. By acknowledging one's absurdities, a person is less likely to engage in sinful behavior, with some exceptions for actions that might still hold value despite being considered inappropriate.
Themes
HumorSelf-AwarenessAbsurdityMoralityWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech emphasizing the importance of self-reflection.
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.
Samuel ButlerRead
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
Samuel ButlerRead
Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
Samuel ButlerRead
People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel ButlerRead
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