The men who made the joke saw something deep which they could not express except by something silly and emphatic.

G.k. Chesterton
About This Quote

The men who made the joke saw something deep which they could not express except by something silly and emphatic. is a quote from the novel The Catcher in the Rye. Holden Caulfield is speaking about the point of view of adolescents. When you are young, you are able to see life more clearly than your parents.

They may be able to see it right in front of them, but you can see it more clearly through your own eyes. For example, teens have a better understanding of sarcasm, irony, and double meanings. This quote is reflective of the teenager’s ability to see things differently than adults.

Source: All Things Considered

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