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About this quote

What does it mean?
Acting overly serious or heavy suggests a lack of depth in thinking.
In plain terms
Too much seriousness shows a shallow mind.
What can you take from it?
Balance seriousness with flexibility to show depth.

Where it applies

  • social interactions
  • leadership
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • lighten your tone
  • assess others' seriousness

Questions to consider

  • Are you too serious?
  • How much gravity is too much?

Another view

Some topics require gravity; this rule isn't universal.

More from Johann Kaspar Lavater

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  2. Who makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.

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  3. The prudent see only the difficulties, the bold only the advantages, of a great enterprise; the hero sees both; diminishes the former and makes the latter prep…

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