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The way to go to the circus, however, is with someone who has seen perhaps one theatrical performance before in his life and that in the High School hall. ... The scales of sophistication are struck from your eyes and you see in the circus a gathering of men and women who are able to do things as a matter of course which you couldn't do if your life depended on it.

Robert Benchley#1

EntertainmentExperienceGrowthLearningObservationPerspectiveSkill

About this quote

What does it mean?
Experiencing something new with a novice reveals the true skill behind it.
In plain terms
Seeing the circus with someone new makes you realize how skilled the performers are.
What can you take from it?
Novices often appreciate skill more than experts.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • entertainment
  • guidance

Putting it to work

  • teaching others
  • regaining wonder
  • evaluating skill

Questions to consider

  • Who helps you see things clearly?
  • When did you lose your sense of wonder?

Another view

Experience does not always diminish appreciation.

More from Robert Benchley

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  3. At fifteen one is first beginning to realize that everything isn't money and power in this world, and is casting about for joys that do not turn to dross in on…

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