I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Silly actions can gain legitimacy when performed confidently by sensible individuals.
This quote by Jane Austen suggests that what might initially appear foolish or silly can take on a different meaning when done with sensibility and boldness. It highlights the importance of confidence and intention behind actions, implying that context and delivery can transform how we perceive seemingly trivial behavior.
Themes
SillySensibleConfidenceBoldnessHumor
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about taking risks and being yourself.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes βNobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
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