The same thing happened to me that, according to legend…
““The same thing happened to me that, according to legend, happened to Parmeniscus, who in the Trophonean cave lost the ability to laugh but acquired it again on the island of Delos upon seeing a shapeless block that was said to be the image of the goddess Leto. When I was very young, I forgot in the Trophonean cave how to laugh; when I became an adult, when I opened my eyes and saw actuality, then I started to laugh and have never stopped laughing since that time. I saw that the meaning of life was to make a living, its goal to be- come a councilor, that the rich delight oflove was to acquire a well-to-do girl, that the blessedness of friendship was to help each other in financial difficulties, that wisdom was whatever the majority assumed it to be, that enthusiasm was to give a speech, that courage was to risk being fined ten dollars, that cordiality was to say "May it do you good" after a meal, that piety was to go to communion once a year. This I saw, and I laughed.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker recounts a mythic loss and regain of laughter, then lists life’s purposes—career, love, friendship, wisdom, enthusiasm, courage, cordiality, piety—concluding that recognizing these gives reason to laugh.
In simple terms: A mythic story about regaining laughter leads to a list of life’s goals, ending in joy.
Key Takeaway
Identify life’s purposes and find joy.
Themes
existential
philosophical
humor
Mood
reflective
playful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- relationship building
- career planning
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
meaning of life
human experience
Questions to Reflect On
- Which of these purposes resonate with you?
- Can joy be found in everyday duties?
A Different Perspective
The list may be overly prescriptive and culturally specific.