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About this quote

What does it mean?
People who take themselves too seriously are often delusional or out of touch with reality.
In plain terms
Only crazy people take themselves too seriously.
What can you take from it?
Don't take yourself too seriously.

Where it applies

  • self-reflection
  • social interaction
  • criticism

Putting it to work

  • stay humble
  • laugh at yourself
  • avoid arrogance

Questions to consider

  • When do you take yourself too seriously?
  • Is seriousness ever necessary?

Another view

Some situations require serious self-regard to maintain dignity or authority.

More from Max Beerbohm

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  2. Zuleika, on a desert island, would have spent most of her time in looking for a man's footprint.

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  3. The past is a work of art, free of irrelevancies and loose ends.

    Permalink to quote #7

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