A Clown Announced a Fire And the People Thought it Was a Joke

It happened that a fire broke out backstage in a theater. The clown came out to inform the public. They thought it was a jest and applauded. He repeated his warning; they shouted even louder. So I think the world will come to an end amid general applause from all the wits, who believe that it is a joke. - (Soren Kierkegaard).