Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Samuel GoldwynRead
Here I am paying big money to you writers and what for? All you do is change the words.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously critiques the work of writers, suggesting they simply rearrange existing ideas.
Samuel Goldwyn’s remark reflects a humorous yet pointed criticism of the writing profession, implying that writers often get paid exorbitantly for what seems like a simple task of altering words. The statement underscores the frustration some may feel towards the perceived lack of originality or substantial effort in creative writing, while also portraying the absurdity of the situation in a light-hearted way.
Themes
WritingHumorCreativityOriginalityCritique
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a writers’ workshop to lighten the mood.
More from Samuel Goldwyn
All quotes →That's the kind of ad I like, facts, facts, facts.
Samuel GoldwynRead
Gentlemen, listen to me slowly.
Samuel GoldwynRead
I want everyone to tell me the truth, even if it costs him his job.
Samuel GoldwynRead
I'll take fifty percent efficiency to get one hundred percent loyalty.
Samuel GoldwynRead
Color television! Bah, I won't believe it until I see it in black and white.
Samuel GoldwynRead
Similar quotes
When I got to 'The Daily Show,' they asked me to have a political opinion. It turned out that I had one, but I didn't realize quite how liberal I was until I was asked to make passionate comedic choices as opposed to necessarily successful comedic choices.
Stephen ColbertRead
If one has no sense of humor, one is in trouble.
Betty WhiteRead
Jack: Actually, I was found. Lady Bracknell: Found? Jack: Uh, yes, I was in... a handbag. Lady Bracknell: A handbag? Jack: Yes, it was... [makes gestures] Jack: an ordinary handbag.
Oscar WildeRead
Molly Shannon and I used to always talk about that we really felt strongly that we were comedic actors, that we weren't comedians. You just played things real and the comedy came out of the context.
Will FerrellRead
What a delightful thing is the conversation of specialists! One understands absolutely nothing and it's charming.
Edgar DegasRead
In the words of the philosopher Sceptum, the founder of my profession: am I going to get paid for this?
Terry PratchettRead