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They did go on so, don't you think, those Victorian poets…

“They did go on so, don't you think, those Victorian poets, they took themselves so horribly seriously?' he said, pushing the lift button, summoning it from the depths. As it creaked up, Blackadder said, 'That's not the worst thing a human being can do, take himself seriously.” quote by A.S. Byatt
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““They did go on so, don't you think, those Victorian poets, they took themselves so horribly seriously?' he said, pushing the lift button, summoning it from the depths. As it creaked up, Blackadder said, 'That's not the worst thing a human being can do, take himself seriously.””

A.S. Byatt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Victorian poets took themselves too seriously; taking oneself seriously is a minor human flaw.

In simple terms: Taking oneself too seriously is a minor flaw.

Key Takeaway

Maintain humility and humor.

Themes

humility self‑awareness literature

Mood

witty reflective

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

historical satire ego management

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you keep perspective in serious work?
  • When does seriousness become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective

Self‑importance can hinder creativity.

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