To expose vices to everyone’s laughter is to deal them a mighty blow. People easily endure reproofs, but they cannot at all endure being made fun of. People have no objection to being considered wicked, but they are not willing to be considered ridiculous.
[C’est une grande atteinte aux vices que de les exposer à la risée de tout le monde. On souffre aisément des répréhensions, mais on ne souffre point la raillerie. On veut bien être méchant, mais on ne veut point être ridicule.]
Molière (1622-1673) French playwright, actor [stage name for Jean-Baptiste Poquelin]
Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite [Le Tartuffe, ou L’Imposteur], Preface (1669-03) [tr. Kerr]
(Source)
Moliere's preface explained once more the history of attacks on and suppression of his play, following up on the several petitions he had made to King Louis XIV. While the play had been first performed in 1664, it was only in 1669 that its final version was removed from the ban placed on it by Church officials.
(Source (French)). Alternate translations:To expose vices to the ridicule of all the world is a severe blow to them. Reprehensions are easily suffered, but not so ridicule. People do not mind being wicked; but they object to being made ridiculous.
[tr. Van Laun (1876)]Displaying vice to mockery of men deals it a great blow. Men will put up with admonition but are loath to be mocked. One might be willing to be wicked; one cannot bear to appear foolish.
[tr. Steiner (2008)]
Quotations about:
make fun of
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My pain may be the reason for somebody’s laugh, but my laugh must never be the reason for somebody’s pain.
Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) English comic actor, film director, composer
(Attributed)
If you can’t stop the bad thoughts from coming to visit, at least you can make fun of them while they’re hanging around.
