“The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Simplified Meaning:
People who are very smart often see humor in many situations. They might joke about things because they notice details and contradictions others might miss. For example, a clever person might laugh at the inefficiencies in a complex system, like government bureaucracy, because they see how silly it can be. In contrast, a sensible person, who is practical and realistic, doesn't find as many things funny. They understand that life has serious aspects and focus on handling them with care. Imagine someone who works in healthcare; they know the importance of their job and are less likely to make fun of its challenges. By balancing humor with practicality, we can navigate life effectively, understanding when to laugh and when to take things seriously.