“But it must be borne in mind that, if there is a Scylla before me, there is also a Charybdis - and that, in my fear of being read as a jest, I may incur the darker destiny of not being read at all.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote by Lewis Carroll, the author expresses his concern about being misunderstood or underestimated. By referencing Scylla and Charybdis, he emphasizes the dilemma he faces - between being read as a joke and not being read at all. This highlights the fine line that writers often walk between being taken seriously and being overlooked. Carroll's words reflect the vulnerability and fear that comes with putting one's work out into the world and the desire to be understood and appreciated for the intended message.
Modern Relevance
In this quote by Lewis Carroll, he expresses his concern about not being taken seriously as a writer and potentially being dismissed as a joke. This fear is still relevant in today's society, especially with the rise of social media and the constant pressure to create engaging content. Content creators often walk a fine line between being entertaining and being taken seriously, just like Carroll feared being read as a jest instead of being read at all.
Lewis Carroll on the fear of not being taken seriously
“But it must be borne in mind that, if there is a Scylla before me, there is also a Charybdis - and that, in my fear of being read as a jest, I may incur the darker destiny of not being read at all.” - Lewis Carroll
Reflection Questions
In this quote, Lewis Carroll expresses a fear of not being taken seriously as a writer. This raises questions about the balance between being seen as a joke and being overlooked entirely. Reflecting on this quote, consider the following:
- Have you ever felt a similar fear of not being taken seriously in your own work or endeavors?
- How do you navigate the fine line between being seen as humorous and being dismissed altogether?
- What strategies can you employ to ensure your voice is heard and your message is understood, without sacrificing your authenticity or sense of humor?
- How does the fear of not being read at all impact your willingness to take creative risks or put yourself out there in a vulnerable way?
- In what ways can you overcome the fear of being misunderstood or overlooked, and instead find confidence in your unique perspective and voice?
Similar quotes
“I'm sure those are not the right words," said poor Alice, and her eyes filled with tears again as she went on, "I must be Mabel after all, and I shall have to go and live in that poky little house, and have next to no toys to play with, and oh, ever so many lessons to learn! No, I've made up my mind about it: if I'm Mabel, I'll stay down here! It'll be no use their putting their heads down and saying 'Come up again, dear!' I shall only look up and say 'Who Am I, then? Tell me that first, and then if I like being that person, I'll come up: if not, I'll stay down here till I'm somebody else' - but oh dear!" Cried Alice, with a sudden burst of tears, " I do wish they would put their heads down! I am so very tired of being all alone here!”
“I wish I could manage to be glad!" the Queen said. "Only I never can remember the rule. You must be very happy, living in this wood, and being glad whenever you like!”
“It'll be no use their putting their heads down and saying "Come up again, dear!"I shall only look up and say "Who am I then? Tell me that first, and then,if I like being that person, I'll come up: if not, I'll stay down heretill I'm somebody else"--but, oh dear!' cried Alice, with a sudden burstof tears, 'I do wish they WOULD put their heads down! I am so VERY tiredof being all alone here!”
“When I used to read fairy-tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of one!”
“Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.”
“Who am I then? Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person, I'll come up; if not, I'll stay down here till I'm someone else.”