Skip to content

Blunders Quote by James Branch Cabell

“And one would worship a woman whom all perfections dower, But the other smiles at transparent wiles; and he quotes from Schopenhauer . Thus two by two we wrangle and blunder about the earth, And that body we share we may not spare; but the Gods have need of mirth.” quote by James Branch Cabell
Download Open image
“And one would worship a woman whom all perfections dower, But the other smiles at transparent wiles; and he quotes from Schopenhauer . Thus two by two we wrangle and blunder about the earth, And that body we share we may not spare; but the Gods have need of mirth.”

James Branch Cabell

About This Quote

Source Novel: Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice by James Branch Cabell, 1919

The passage juxtaposes idealized worship of flawless beauty with the cynical allure of deceit, suggesting humanity’s tangled struggles and the divine need for joy amidst conflict.

In simple terms: People worship perfect beauty but are drawn to sly charm, leading to messy struggles while gods crave laughter.

Key Takeaway

Recognize both ideal and deceit, and seek balance.

Themes

beauty deceit human conflict divine joy

Mood

ironic reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • political negotiations
  • artistic creation
  • personal introspection

Key Concepts

philosophy literary satire existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you prioritize perfection or authenticity?
  • How does humor alleviate conflict?
A Different Perspective

Idealized worship can blind us to reality, and deceit may erode trust.

3.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by James Branch Cabell

Explore all 78 James Branch Cabell quotes

More Blunders quotes

Browse all 221 Blunders quotes