The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
Lily TomlinRead
Instead of working for the survival of the fittest, we should be working for the survival of the wittiest - then we can all die laughing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that instead of valuing those who are simply the strongest, we should appreciate those who can make us laugh.
Lily Tomlin's quote challenges the Darwinian notion of 'survival of the fittest' by proposing that humor and wit should be the traits we cherish and cultivate. By prioritizing laughter and the ability to make others laugh, we foster a more joyful and light-hearted existence, suggesting that a witty perspective on life can lead to a more fulfilling and less serious approach to our mortality.
Themes
HumorLaughterWitLifeSurvival
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a comedy club promoting the importance of humor.
More from Lily Tomlin
All quotes βSometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.
Lily TomlinRead
The road to success is always under construction.
Lily TomlinRead
Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.
Lily TomlinRead
Truth is, I've always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers.
Lily TomlinRead
Why is it that when we talk to God we're said to be praying but when God talks to us we're schizophrenic?
Lily TomlinRead
Similar quotes
Responding to a question about remarks attributed to him that he did not think were his: "I really didn't say everything I said."
Yogi BerraRead
Comedians have to challenge the power. Comedians should be dangerous and devastating - and funny. That's the hardest part.
Mort SahlRead
If he was an inch taller he'd be the best center half in Britain. His father is 6 ft 2 in - I'd check the milkman.
Alex FergusonRead
There are two or three ways to combat homophobia - one is through humor. The second is to put a face on it.
Leslie JordanRead
You can tell how smart people are by what they laugh at.
Tina FeyRead
It's more than magnificent; it's mediocre.
Samuel GoldwynRead