QuoteProject
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.
Jane Austen
ShareWTF𝕏

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

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
Nobody 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.
Jane AustenRead
He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
Jane AustenRead
A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
Jane AustenRead
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.
Jane AustenRead
She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
Jane AustenRead

Similar quotes

If I were you, I'd sue my face for slander.
Terry PratchettRead
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people.
Orson WellesRead
I miss seeing real comics, Shecky Greene and Buddy Hackett, those types. I like straight stand-up, talking about the Olympics and why I feel obligated to watch them. 'Why am I watching archery at 4 in the afternoon?'
Norm MacdonaldRead
Imagine people calling you to find out if you're dead. I've led a real crazy life at times, and I've had many strange things happen to me, but that was one of the strangest.
Richard PryorRead
Pirate Captain Jim "Walk the plank," says Pirate Jim "But Captain Jim, I cannot swim." "Then you must steer us through the gale." "But Captain Jim, I cannot sail." "Then down with the galley slaves you go." "But Captain Jim, I cannot row." "Then you must be the pirate's clerk." "But Captain Jim, I cannot work.
Shel SilversteinRead
I think it's IMPOSSIBLE for anyone famous to come from here, because everyone around here is insane.
Terry PratchettRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.