“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).”

— James Thurber

The New Yorker (2 August 1930), discussing cartooning
From other writings

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James Thurber 90

American cartoonist, author, journalist, playwright 1894–1961

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“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).”

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James Thurber 90

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