“ The wisest and the best of men—nay, the wisest and best of their actions—may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke. ”
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (28 January 1813). copy citation
| Author | Jane Austen |
|---|---|
| Source | Pride and Prejudice |
| Topic | action joke |
| Date | 28 January 1813 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/1342-h/1342-h.htm |
Context
“"That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintances. I dearly love a laugh."
"Miss Bingley," said he, "has given me more credit than can be. The wisest and the best of men—nay, the wisest and best of their actions—may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."
"Certainly," replied Elizabeth—"there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise and good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.”
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