Ridicule is like a wolf: it only destroys those who fear it

Ridicule is like a wolf: it only destroys those who fear it

We never repent of having eaten too little.

We never repent of having eaten too little.

I believe they talked of me, for they laughed consumedly.

I believe they talked of me, for they laughed consumedly.

There is nothing one sees oftener than the ridiculous and
magnificent, such close neighbors that they touch.
[Fr., read more

There is nothing one sees oftener than the ridiculous and
magnificent, such close neighbors that they touch.
[Fr., L'on ne saurait mieux faire voir que le magnifique et le
ridicule sont si voisins qu'ils se touchent.]

Ridicule is the first and last argument of fools.

Ridicule is the first and last argument of fools.

Truth, 'tis supposed, may bear all lights; and one those
principal lights or natural mediums by which things are read more

Truth, 'tis supposed, may bear all lights; and one those
principal lights or natural mediums by which things are to be
viewed in order to a thorough recognition is ridicule itself.

I distrust those sentiments that are too far removed from nature,
and whose sublimity is blended with ridicule; which read more

I distrust those sentiments that are too far removed from nature,
and whose sublimity is blended with ridicule; which two are as
near one another as extreme wisdom and folly.

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw read more

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw no such virtue in a jest,
Truth was with her of ridicule the test.

Generally the ridiculous touches the sublime.
[Fr., En general, le ridicule touche au sublime.]

Generally the ridiculous touches the sublime.
[Fr., En general, le ridicule touche au sublime.]