No one is exempt from talking nonsense. The great misfortune is to do it solemnly

No one is exempt from talking nonsense. The great misfortune is to do it solemnly

Anthony de Mello, a Jesuit priest and spiritual teacher, often spoke about the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in order to live a fulfilling and authentic life. One of his famous quotes is, “No one is exempt from talking nonsense. The great misfortune is to do it solemnly.” This quote encapsulates de Mello’s belief that everyone is prone to saying things that are meaningless or untrue, but the real tragedy lies in taking oneself too seriously and failing to recognize the absurdity of one’s own words.

De Mello’s teachings emphasize the need to cultivate a sense of humor and humility in order to navigate the complexities of life. He believed that taking oneself too seriously can lead to a lack of self-awareness and a disconnect from reality. By acknowledging that everyone is capable of talking nonsense, de Mello encourages individuals to approach life with a sense of lightness and playfulness, rather than getting caught up in their own egos.