If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you open to my ideas
John CleeseRead
I'm not saying Obama is right on everything. Of course not. He may be wrong on a number of things. But what I do know is that he behaves like a very, very sane man almost all the time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote acknowledges that while one may not agree with everything a leader says or does, their overall demeanor can reflect soundness of mind and sanity.
John Cleese's quote reflects the idea that rational and sane behavior is crucial for leadership, irrespective of the specific policies or opinions held by that leader. It highlights the importance of composure and rational thinking in a political context, suggesting that while disagreements are natural, the ability to maintain a civil and sensible demeanor is commendable and essential for effective leadership.
Themes
LeadershipSanityPoliticsUnderstandingDecency
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about political leaders, this quote can be used to appreciate the humane qualities of a leader.
More from John Cleese
All quotes →Because, as we all know, it’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent, like thinking. And it’s also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that we’re not so sure about.
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If you are leaping a ravine, the moment of takeoff is a bad time to be considering alternative strategies.
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In Britain, girls seem to be either bright or attractive. In America, that's not the case. They're both.
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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.
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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
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