Sophistication might be described as the ability to cope gracefully…

Sophistication might be described as the ability to cope gracefully with a situation involving the presence of a formidable menace to one’s poise and prestige (such as the butler, or the man under the bed — but never the husband).

Sourced, From other writings

The New Yorker (2 August 1930), discussing cartooning

Other James Thurber Quotes

A pinch of probability is worth a pound of perhaps. - View Quote Details on A pinch of probability is worth a pound of perhaps.
One (martini) is all right, two is too many, three is not enough. - View Quote Details on One (martini) is all right, two is too many, three…
I love the idea of there being two sexes, don’t you? - View Quote Details on I love the idea of there being two sexes, don’t…
There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception - View Quote Details on There is no exception to the rule that every rule…
Don’t count your boobies until they are hatched. - View Quote Details on Don’t count your boobies until they are hatched.
The dog has got more fun out of Man than Man has got out of the dog, for the clearly demonstrable reason that Man is the more laughable of the two animals. - View Quote Details on The dog has got more fun out of Man than…
Every time is a time for comedy in a world of tension that would languish without it. But I cannot confine myself to lightness in a period of human life that demands light… We all know that, as the old adage has it, “It is later than you think.”…, but I also say occasionally: “It is lighter than you think.” In this light let’s not look back in anger, or forward in fear, but around in awareness. - View Quote Details on Every time is a time for comedy in a world…
Discussion in America means dissent. - View Quote Details on Discussion in America means dissent.
The laughter of man is more terrible than his tears, and takes more forms — hollow, heartless, mirthless, maniacal. - View Quote Details on The laughter of man is more terrible than his tears,…
Le coeur a ses raisons, Mrs. Bence, que la raison ne connait pas. - View Quote Details on Le coeur a ses raisons, Mrs. Bence, que la raison…