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About this quote

What does it mean?
The characters value either intelligence or happiness, showing different life priorities.
In plain terms
One wants brains, the other wants happiness.
What can you take from it?
Different people value different inner qualities.

Where it applies

  • making life choices
  • valuing traits
  • discussing priorities

Putting it to work

  • choose your values
  • define happiness
  • weigh options

Questions to consider

  • What trait do you value most?
  • Is happiness the best goal?

Another view

It presents happiness and wisdom as mutually exclusive.

More from L. Frank Baum

  1. 'It must be inconvenient to be made of flesh,' said the Scarecrow thoughtfully, 'for you must sleep, and eat and drink. However, you have brains, and it is wor…

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  2. 'All the other animals in the forest naturally expect me to be brave, for the Lion is everywhere thought to be the King of Beasts. I learned that if I roared v…

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  3. The Scarecrow listened carefully, and said, 'I cannot understand why you should wish to leave this beautiful country and go back to the dry, gray place you cal…

    Permalink to quote #24

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