Wit is a pleasure-giving ...

Wit is a pleasure-giving thing, largely because it eludes reason; but in the apprehension of an absurdity through the working of the comic spirit there is a foundation of reason, and an impetus to human companionship.
 See image
 Agnes Repplier

Quotes from the same author

The vanity of man revolts from the serene indifference of the cat.
 See image
 Agnes Repplier
People who cannot recognize a palpable absurdity are very much in the way of civilization.
 See image
 Agnes Repplier
What monstrous absurdities and paradoxes have resisted whole batteries of serious arguments, and then crumbled swiftly into dust before the ringing death-knell of a laugh!
 See image
 Agnes Repplier
Neatness of phrase is so closely akin to wit that it is often accepted as its substitute.
 See image
 Agnes Repplier
the most comfortable characteristic of the period [1775-1825], and the one which incites our deepest envy, is the universal willingness to accept a good purpose as a substitute for good work.
 See image
 Agnes Repplier