You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.
Meaning of the quote
When you can laugh at your own mistakes or silly moments, that's when you start to grow up and become a more mature person. It means you don't take yourself too seriously and can see the humor in your own flaws or embarrassing situations. Being able to laugh at yourself shows you're confident and secure enough to not be bothered by your imperfections. This kind of self-awareness and acceptance is an important part of becoming an adult.
About Ethel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore was an acclaimed American actress who came from a family of actors. She had a long and successful career spanning six decades, earning four Oscar nominations and winning for her role in the 1944 film None but the Lonely Heart. Barrymore was known as the “First Lady of the American Theatre” for her contributions to the stage.
More quotes from Ethel Barrymore
That’s all there is; there isn’t any more.
American actress (1879-1959)
Fundamentally I feel that there is as much difference between the stage and the films as between a piano and a violin. Normally you can’t become a virtuoso in both.
American actress (1879-1959)
I never let them cough. They wouldn’t dare.
American actress (1879-1959)
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
American actress (1879-1959)
You must learn day by day, year by year to broaden your horizon. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about, the more you have left when anything happens.
American actress (1879-1959)
For an actress to be a success, she must have the face of a Venus, the brains of a Minerva, the grace of Terpsichore, the memory of a MaCaulay, the figure of Juno, and the hide of a rhinoceros.
American actress (1879-1959)
The great actors are the luminous ones. They are the great conductors of the stage.
American actress (1879-1959)
The arts are not just instantaneous pleasure – if you don’t like it, the artist is wrong. I belong to the generation which says if you don’t like it, you don’t understand and you ought to find out.
American actress (1879-1959)
Our achievements speak for themselves. What we have to keep track of are our failures, discouragements and doubts. We tend to forget the past difficulties, the many false starts, and the painful groping.
American actress (1879-1959)
The face of Garbo is an Idea, that of Hepburn an Event.
American actress (1879-1959)
When life knocks you to your knees, and it will, why, get up! If it knocks you to your knees again, as it will, well, isn’t that the best position from which to pray?
American actress (1879-1959)
You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.
American actress (1879-1959)