Alice Quote by Lewis Carroll
““Alice didn't think that proved it at all; however, she went on: 'And how do you know that you're mad?' 'To begin with,' said the Cat, 'a dog's not mad. You grant that?' 'I suppose so,' said Alice. 'Well then,' the Cat went on, 'you see, a dog growls when it's angry, and wags its tail when it's pleased. Now I growl when I'm pleased, and wag my tail when I'm angry. Therefore I'm mad.' 'I call it purring, not growling,' said Alice.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Through the Looking‑Glass, 1871
Madness is subjective; perception of behavior defines sanity.
In simple terms: Madness depends on viewpoint.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions.
Themes
identity
perception
madness
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal identity crisis
- social judgment
- mental health discussions
Key Concepts
philosophy
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define sanity?
- What does “mad” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex mental states.
![“She [Alice] went on "And how do you know that you're mad?" "To begin with," said the Cat, "a dog's not mad. You grant that?" "I suppose so," said Alice. "Well, then," the Cat went on, "you see, a dog growls when it's angry, and wags it's tail when it's pleased. Now I growl when I'm pleased, and…” quote by Lewis Carroll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/64a/lewis-carroll-324_alice-adventures-in_she-alice-went-on-and-how-do-you-know-th_2800952.jpg)
![“Cheshire Puss,' [Alice] began, rather timidly, "'But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: 'we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.' How do you know I'm mad?' said Alice. You must be,' said the Cat, 'or you wouldn't have come here.' Alice…” quote by Lewis Carol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95e/lewis-carol-131727_quote_cheshire-puss-alice-began-rather-timidly_963624.jpg)
