I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it.
Joan RiversRead
"I've learned what's funny verbally ain't so funny on e-mail: They don't hear your intonations. Melissa broke up with somebody over that. She tried to tell him: "That was a joke!" But he just didn't get it. Mick Jagger said, "F- 'em if they don't get the joke." And I love him. That comes with age: Knowing it's their problem, not mine."
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the difficulty of conveying humor through text-based communication and the importance of understanding the perspectives of others.
Joan Rivers reflects on the challenges of expressing humor in written form, particularly in emails where tone and intonation can be easily misinterpreted. She shares a personal anecdote about a friend who faced a misunderstanding due to this lack of verbal cues, emphasizing that not everyone may appreciate a joke. The quote also signals a level of maturity that comes with understanding that miscommunications are often a reflection of the other person’s perspective, not a personal failing.
Themes
HumorCommunicationMisunderstandingIntotationAging
In practice
Example use cases
In a comedy routine discussing the pitfalls of online communication.
More from Joan Rivers
All quotes →I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive.
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Life goes by fast. Enjoy it. Calm down. It's all funny.
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Life is so tough. I don't know how old you are, but I've seen so much in a wink. One phone call and your life is changed forever. We all know that. You better laugh at everything.
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I walk on a stage, and I know if it's been a good show or not. You know when it's been a good interview. No one has to tell you. You know it. You feel it. You can feel the air. You can feel everything about it when it's a good show. And you know when you've messed up.
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I would not want to live if I could not perform. It's in my will. I am not to be revived unless I can do an hour of stand-up.
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