Nothing is more comical than seriousness understood as a virtue that has to precede all important literature
Julio Cortazar’s quote humorously challenges the often overly serious perception surrounding literary pursuits. It suggests that viewing seriousness as a prerequisite or virtue for meaningful literature can be absurd. Literature, in its essence, is a reflection of human experience, and can be both profound and playful, sober and humorous. The insistence on seriousness as a moral obligation can hinder the true appreciation of art, diverting focus from genuine expression to performative gravitas. This perspective encourages embracing the lighter, more spontaneous aspects of writing and reading, recognizing that humor and levity often illuminate truths more poignantly than solemness. Cortazar seems to imply that the most valuable and impactful literature often springs from genuine passion, curiosity, and even whimsy rather than rigid seriousness. By deconstructing the notion that literature must be solemn to be valuable, he offers a liberating view: reading and writing should not be bound by austerity but should celebrate the joy of human creativity in all its forms. This idea aligns with the playful and experimental spirit characteristic of his broader work, which often blurs traditional boundaries between the serious and the humorous. Ultimately, Cortazar’s insight is a reminder that authenticity in literature shouldn’t be sacrificed on the altar of pretentious seriousness; instead, it should be rooted in genuine, sometimes humorous, expressions of human life, encouraging both writers and readers to approach literature with openness and joy.
