You see people who are still there doing things but their souls have disappeared so there's no joy in it anymore, so I'm scared of not listening to the part of me that knows when it's time to stop something and start something new.
Simon AmstellRead
I felt like there was something wrong with me in my twenties but, when I started doing stand up comedy, I learnt that if you tell the truth it's really funny and people connect to it. So I think if I keep doing that then I'll be happy.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea that honesty can lead to personal happiness and connection with others through humor.
In this quote, Simon Amstell shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance through the lens of stand-up comedy. Initially feeling a sense of inadequacy in his twenties, he found that expressing his truths in a humorous way resonated with others. This realization not only brought him joy but also fostered genuine connections with his audience, highlighting the power of authenticity and the universal appeal of shared experiences.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire young comedians struggling with self-doubt.
You see people who are still there doing things but their souls have disappeared so there's no joy in it anymore, so I'm scared of not listening to the part of me that knows when it's time to stop something and start something new.
I don't see the point of doing comedy unless it comes from pain.
I think as much as I talk about humour being a defence mechanism, I'm also really grateful that I developed it, because I now have it as a choice, rather than a panic button. I feel like it's there if I want to use it. It's fun.
By saying the thing that I'm most embarrassed about on stage, I end up witnessing the fact that it isn't a problem. People don't usually walk out, when I say the thing that I'm deeply ashamed of.
Comedy was my sport. It taught me how to roll with the punches. Failure is the exact same as success when it comes to comedy because it just keeps coming. It never stops.
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing noise they make as they go by.
Americans adore me and will go on adoring me until I say something nice about them.
My mother always used to say: 'The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana.'
Flattery is all right so long as you don't inhale.
Don't be afraid of making an ass of yourself. I do it all the time and look what I got.
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