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.”
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.
Recognize both ideal and deceit, and seek balance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- relationships
- political negotiations
- artistic creation
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize perfection or authenticity?
- How does humor alleviate conflict?
Idealized worship can blind us to reality, and deceit may erode trust.