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Quotes

A jest breaks no bones.

—Samuel Johnson, 1781

Jesters do oft prove prophets.

—William Shakespeare, c. 1605

No man ever distinguished himself who could not bear to be laughed at.

—Maria Edgeworth, 1809

Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.

—Marty Feldman, 1969

Some things are privileged from jest—namely, religion, matters of state, great persons, all men’s present business of importance, and any case that deserves pity.

—Francis Bacon, 1597
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