Apprehension Quote by James Thurber
“Humourists lead... an existence of jumpiness and apprehension. They sit on the edge of the chair of Literature. In the house of Life they have the feeling that they have never taken off their overcoats.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", The New Yorker, 1939
Humorists live on the edge, constantly uneasy, never fully comfortable, reflecting a perpetual state of anxiety.
In simple terms: Humorists are always nervous and unsettled.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the discomfort of creative tension.
Themes
creativity
anxiety
literature
humor
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Writing workshops
- stand‑up comedy
- literary criticism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Existentialism
psychology
artistic tension
Questions to Reflect On
- How does nervous energy fuel humor?
- Can anxiety be transformed into artistic strength?
A Different Perspective
Constant tension may hinder sustained focus.
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
