Do not fear being ridiculous in relation to the ridiculous.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Do not let the absurdity of others invalidate your own actions.
- In plain terms
- If others act foolishly, it is okay for you to seem foolish too.
- What can you take from it?
- Act without fear of ridicule in absurd situations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What stops you from acting?
- Who decides what is ridiculous?
Another view
Ridicule can be a signal to adjust behavior appropriately.
More from Jean Cocteau
Fight any instinct to be humorless, for humorlessness is the worst of all absurdities.
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