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About this quote

What does it mean?
A man displayed exaggerated seriousness like an actor pretending to be dramatic.
In plain terms
He looked serious in a fake, dramatic way.
What can you take from it?
Feigned seriousness often rings hollow.

Where it applies

  • social interactions
  • conversations
  • conflicts

Putting it to work

  • notice performative behavior
  • value genuine expression

Questions to consider

  • How can you tell if someone is genuinely serious?
  • Why do people adopt dramatic tones?

Another view

Sometimes seriousness is a necessary social signal.

More from Tom Robbins

  1. There are two kinds of people in this world : those who believe there are two kinds of people in this world and those who are smart enough to know better.

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. The man and woman firmly shook hands. The solution to the overpopulation problem might rest in such handshakes.

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. She lunched on papaya poo poo or mango mu mu or some other fruity foo foo bursting with overripe tropican vowels.

    Permalink to quote #25

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