Few things in life are more embarrassing than the necessity of having to inform an old friend that you have just got engaged to his fiancee.
W. C. FieldsRead
I was married once--in San Francisco. I haven't seen her for many years. The great earthquake and fire in 1906 destroyed the marriage certificate. There's no legal proof. Which proves that earthquakes aren't all bad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously suggests that natural disasters can have unexpected benefits.
W. C. Fields uses a light-hearted approach to reflect on his past marriage, implying that the destruction of his marriage certificate in the San Francisco earthquake could be seen as a positive outcome. This statement combines humor with a commentary on the impermanence of relationships and offers an ironic perspective on how adversity can sometimes bring unforeseen advantages.
Themes
MarriageEarthquakeHumorIronyRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about resilience and finding humor in difficult situations.
More from W. C. Fields
All quotes →Drown in a cold vat of whiskey? Death, where is thy sting?
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If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull.
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Christmas at my house is always at least six or seven times more pleasant than anywhere else. We start drinking early. And while everyone else is seeing only one Santa Claus, we'll be seeing six or seven.
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I never vote for anyone. I always vote against.
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Now don't say you can't swear off drinking; it's easy. I've done it a thousand times.
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