The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step read more

The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step below the sublime
makes the ridiculous and one step above the ridiculous makes the
sublime again.

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

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

Ridicule is the best test of truth

Ridicule is the best test of truth

We never repent of having eaten too little.

We never repent of having eaten too little.

Ridicule has historically proven itself a rickety fence for great ideas.

Ridicule has historically proven itself a rickety fence for great ideas.

One does not lash what lies at a distance. The foibles that we ridicule must at least be a little read more

One does not lash what lies at a distance. The foibles that we ridicule must at least be a little bit our own. Only then will the work be a part of our own flesh. The garden must be weeded.

And took for truth the test of ridicule.

And took for truth the test of ridicule.

That passage is what I call the sublime dashed to pieces by
cutting too close with the fiery four-in-hand read more

That passage is what I call the sublime dashed to pieces by
cutting too close with the fiery four-in-hand round the corner of
nonsense.

Ridicule is the language of the devil.

Ridicule is the language of the devil.