"For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn?"
- Jane Austen
About this Quote
This quote by Jane Austen is an amusing observation on the social life and human interactions of her time, capturing the essence of social dynamics and humanity. It originates from her novel "Pride and Prejudice," and reflects her sharp and often satirical point of view on society.
At its core, this quote suggests that social interactions are a type of sport, where people observe and evaluate each other. The phrase "to make sport for our next-door neighbors" suggests that by participating in social activities, people typically become the source of home entertainment or chatter for others. In this context, "sport" can be comprehended as light-hearted mockery or amusement originated from the actions and lives of others.
All at once, "and laugh at them in our turn" highlights the reciprocal nature of these interactions. It suggests an unavoidable cycle where everybody eventually becomes both the observer and the observed. This reciprocity is significant, as it highlights a social norm where individuals take turns in being the subjects of amusement, consequently adding to a shared social experience.
Austen, through this witticism, offers an observant commentary on the human fondness for gossip and judgment. In her time, as now, celebrations were platforms for people to show themselves, in some cases causing scrutiny and mockery. Yet, her tone is not bitter; rather, it's spirited and accepting of this human tendency. It might be seen as an invitation to embrace the humor in these social exchanges, acknowledging them as an inescapable part of life.
Furthermore, this quote speaks to the cyclical nature of social track record and the truth that everyone ends up being both the spectacle and the spectator with time. By acknowledging this double role in social dynamics, Austen invites readers to embrace a more generous and forgiving perspective on human foibles, acknowledging that laughter and amusement are universal experiences shared by all.
"Did you know that nearly one in three children live apart from their biological dads? Those kids are two to three times more likely to grow up in poverty, to suffer in school, and to have health and behavioral problems"
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character"
"Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present to live better in the future"
