If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you open to my ideas
John CleeseRead
I used to desire many, many things, but now I have just one desire, and that's to get rid of all my other desires.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a shift from wanting multiple things to seeking inner peace by eliminating desires.
In this quote, John Cleese communicates a profound realization about the nature of desires and how they can lead to dissatisfaction. Initially, he experienced a multitude of desires, which suggests a constant yearning for external fulfillment. However, he has come to understand that true contentment lies not in accumulating more desires, but rather in simplifying one's aspirations to achieve inner calm and freedom from the relentless pursuit of wanting. This encapsulates a wisdom that resonates with many philosophical teachings about the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
Themes
DesireSimplicityContentmentInner PeaceFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth.
More from John Cleese
All quotes βBecause, as we all know, itβs easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent, like thinking. And itβs also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that weβre not so sure about.
John CleeseRead
If you are leaping a ravine, the moment of takeoff is a bad time to be considering alternative strategies.
John CleeseRead
In Britain, girls seem to be either bright or attractive. In America, that's not the case. They're both.
John CleeseRead
When the target audience is American teenage kids, you can have problems. My generation prized really fine acting and writing. Sometimes you have to go back to the basic principles which underpin great visual comedy.
John CleeseRead
Well, the only way I can get a leading-man role is if I write it.
John CleeseRead
Similar quotes
Without tact you can learn nothing.
Benjamin DisraeliRead
Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very helpful. Whoever doesn't know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong.
Anne FrankRead
In creative endeavors luck is a skill.
Twyla TharpRead
The road to ignorance is paved with good editors.
George Bernard ShawRead
Organisation can never be a substitute for initiative and for judgement.
Louis D. BrandeisRead
You've got to be original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for?
Bernadette PetersRead