You beat your pate, and fancy wit will come; Knock as you please, there's nobody at home.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wit cannot be forced. Effort does not guarantee talent.
- In plain terms
- You cannot force yourself to be funny.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept your limits regarding wit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you trying too hard?
- What comes naturally?
Another view
Practice can improve humor over time.
More from Jonathan Swift
There was all the world and his wife.
Permalink to quote #84 A tavern is a place where madness is sold by the bottle.
Permalink to quote #86 She pays him in his own coin.
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