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
For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that part of life involves entertaining others and finding humor in our shared experiences.
Jane Austen's quote reflects on the nature of human relationships and social interactions, highlighting the idea that much of life is spent in the playful exchange of amusement and laughter, both at ourselves and at others. It suggests a certain lightheartedness in how we engage with our neighbors and the importance of humor in navigating social dynamics.
Themes
HumorLaughterSocialRelationshipsEntertainment
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a community event to lighten the mood.
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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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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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