Joker Quote by W.H. Auden
““The practical joker despises his victims, but at the same time he envies them because their desires, however childish and mistaken, are real to them, whereas he has no desire which he can call his own. His goal, to make game of others, makes his existence absolutely dependent upon theirs; when he is alone, he is a nullity. Iago’s self-description, I am not what I am , is correct and the negation of the Divine I am that I am . If the word motive is given its normal meaning of a positive purpose of the self like sex, money, glory, etc., then the practical joker is without motive. Yet the professional practical joker is certainly driven, like a gambler, to his activity, but the drive is negative, a fear of lacking concrete self, of being nobody.””
About This Quote
A practical joker lacks authentic desire, living only through others' fantasies, making his existence dependent and empty when alone.
In simple terms: He lives off others' desires, lacking his own.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate genuine personal purpose.
Themes
existence
desire
dependency
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
psychological
literary
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- creative work
- personal development
Key Concepts
selfhood
nihilism
psychology of humor
Questions to Reflect On
- What authentic desires can you nurture?
- How does dependence on others affect your sense of self?
A Different Perspective
His emptiness may stem from deeper insecurity, not just lack of motive.
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