Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
Groucho MarxRead
Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously points out the absurdity of judging someone based on appearances.
Groucho Marx uses satire and wit to illustrate how superficial judgments can be misleading. The quote implies that one should not be deceived by external attributes, as the character being described, although appearing foolish, is acknowledged as such. The humor lies in the exaggerated suggestion of a prison sentence for the idiot, which also underlines the absurdity of the situation.
Themes
HumorAbsurdityJudgmentWitSatire
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a comedic speech to illustrate how appearances can be deceiving.
More from Groucho Marx
All quotes →John you say you met in an elevator. Was the elevator going up at the time, or down? This is very important, for going down in an elevator one always has that sinking feeling and for all I know you may have this confused with love. If you were going up, it is clearly a case of love at first sight.
Groucho MarxRead
Firefly: Where is your husband? Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead. Firefly: I'll bet he's just using that as an excuse. Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end. Firefly: Hmmph. No wonder he passed away. Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him. Firefly: Oh I see. Then, it was murder.
Groucho MarxRead
Chico: "Here's the book, it's a dollar" Groucho: "Here's a ten, and shoot the change." Chico: "I don't have change I'd have to give you nine more books.
Groucho MarxRead
Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!
Groucho MarxRead
Let there be dancing in the streets, drinking in the saloons, and necking in the parlor.
Groucho MarxRead
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