“The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Simplified Meaning:
Some people who are very smart often find things funny or silly because they see the world differently and can spot the odd or strange parts of everyday life. On the other hand, people who are practical and wise don't find many things laughable because they understand and accept how the world works, even if it's not perfect. For example, a very clever person might laugh at the idea of superstitions, finding them absurd, and making jokes about them. However, a sensible person would understand why some people believe in superstitions and wouldn't find it as amusing. They see the reasoning behind people's actions and respect those beliefs even if they don't share them. In your life, you could use this wisdom by trying to be more understanding and considerate, rather than just laughing things off. This means not dismissing others' thoughts and feelings as silly but trying to see things from their point of view. By doing so, you can build better relationships and make more thoughtful decisions.