Quote

I sometimes think my earnestness is confused for stupidity, but it shouldn't be.

I think the word 'earnest' kind of has a negative connotation on some level. I think one of the things that's happened is that being cynical is somehow conflated with being sophisticated. I think that's problematic, to say the least.

Seriousness is stupidity sent to college.

In the matter of learning, the difference between the earnest and the careless student stands out clearly. The same holds true in the mastering of passion and the weaknesses to which our nature is subject, as in the acquiring of virtue.

It would be terribly boring to be earnest.

What is earnest is not always true; on the contrary, error is often more earnest than truth.

'The Importance of Being Earnest' is important, but it says nothing about anything.

Earnestness can ferment into sentimentality.