A jest breaks no bones.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A humorous remark or joke is harmless compared to serious actions.
- In plain terms
- Jokes do not cause real harm.
- What can you take from it?
- Verbal humor is generally harmless.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is all humor harmless?
- When do jokes cross the line?
Another view
Jokes can sometimes hurt feelings deeply.
More from Samuel Johnson
My friend was of opinion that when a man of rank appeared in that character [as an author], he deserved to have his merit handsomely allowed.
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