Quote by Henry David Thoreau

They who suspect a Mephistophiles, or sneering, satirical devil, under all, have not learned the secret of true humor, which sympathizes with gods themselves, in view of their grotesque, half-finished creatures.

They who suspect a Mephistophiles, or sneering, satirical de

Summary

This quote emphasizes the true essence of humor, highlighting that those who see mockery or malevolence in everything don't understand its real nature. Genuine humor is characterized by an empathetic connection with the imperfections and absurdities of life, including the flaws of both humans and gods. Rather than deride or criticize, true humor appreciates the whimsical and comical aspects of existence, allowing us to find amusement even in incomplete or unconventional creations. It suggests that humor can be a source of joy and understanding, rather than a means of belittlement or cynicism.

Topics

Wisdom Life Humor Funny Satire Inspiration

By Henry David Thoreau

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

You may, if you are an old-fashioned schoolmaster, wish to c

You may, if you are an old-fashioned schoolmaster, wish to consider yourself full of universal benevolence and at the same time derive great pleasure from caning boys. In order to reconcile these two desires you have to persuade yourself that caning

Bertrand Russell

Knowledge is the eye of desire and can become the pilot of t

Knowledge is the eye of desire and can become the pilot of the soul.

The only kind of seafood I trust is the fish stick, a totall

The only kind of seafood I trust is the fish stick, a totally featureless fish that doesn't have eyeballs or fins.

Things must be done by parties, not by persons using parties

Things must be done by parties, not by persons using parties as tools.

Benjamin Disraeli

First I shall name the eagle, of which there are three speci

First I shall name the eagle, of which there are three species: the great grey eagle is the largest, of great strength and high flight he chiefly preys on fawns and other young quadrupeds.

William Bartram

Skill is successfully walking a tightrope between the twin t

Skill is successfully walking a tightrope between the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center. Intelligence is not trying.

Marilyn vos Savant

I believe because it is impossible.

I believe because it is impossible.

I've got no education.

I've got no education.

Keep up you conjugal love in constant heat and vigor.

Keep up you conjugal love in constant heat and vigor.

Who then is free? The wise who can command his passions, who

Who then is free? The wise who can command his passions, who fears not want, nor death, nor chains, firmly resisting his appetites and despising the honors of the world, who relies wholly on himself, whose angular points of character have all been ro

Wisdom Life Freedom

There are people who observe the rules of honor as we observ

There are people who observe the rules of honor as we observe the stars: from a distance

I have achieved what I wanted to achieve. I'm better off at

I have achieved what I wanted to achieve. I'm better off at some sort of independent place where they not only like what I produce but also trust me to be the one to produce it.

Keith Olbermann