Ancient Quote by Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury
“Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a serious examination was certainly false wit.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Essay: Characteristics of the Taste, 1721
Humor tests seriousness and seriousness tests humor; both are needed to reveal truth and avoid false wit.
In simple terms: Humor and seriousness balance each other to expose truth.
Key Takeaway
Value both humor and seriousness in analysis.
Themes
philosophy
humor
gravity
truth
Mood
thoughtful
witty
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- debate
- literary criticism
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
dialectic
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When does humor become a distraction?
- How can seriousness be softened without losing rigor?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on humor may undermine seriousness.
