Because there is safety in derision I talked about an apparition, I took no trouble to convince, Or seem plausible to a man of sense.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker used absurdity to protect themselves from scrutiny and expectations.
- In plain terms
- I used nonsense to avoid being judged seriously.
- What can you take from it?
- Use humor to deflect serious judgment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you hide behind humor?
- Is it better to be taken seriously?
Another view
It relies on being misunderstood which can isolate the speaker.
More from William Butler Yeats
A bloody and a sudden end, Gunshot or a noose, For Death who takes what man would keep, Leaves what man would lose.
Permalink to quote #163 I have found nothing half so good As my long-planned half solitude, Where I can sit up half the night With some friend that has the wit Not to allow his looks …
Permalink to quote #165 Like a long-legged fly upon the stream His mind moves upon silence.
Permalink to quote #162
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