Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Samuel GoldwynRead
That's the kind of ad I like, facts, facts, facts.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes a preference for straightforward, factual information over embellishment.
Samuel Goldwyn's quote humorously suggests that he values advertisements that present clear and honest information rather than exaggeration or flair. This reflects a broader sentiment in communication where authenticity and factual accuracy are often preferred to persuasion through embellishment.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a marketing seminar focused on the importance of transparency in advertising.
Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Here I am paying big money to you writers and what for? All you do is change the words.
Gentlemen, listen to me slowly.
I want everyone to tell me the truth, even if it costs him his job.
I'll take fifty percent efficiency to get one hundred percent loyalty.
Color television! Bah, I won't believe it until I see it in black and white.
Am I proud of being straight? No. You know why? Because if I start acting proud, that's going to make me seem kind of gay.
Why do they bother with a suicide watch when someone is on death row? "Keep an eye on this guy. We're gonna kill him, and we don't want him to hurt himself."
No-one is exempt from speaking nonsense β the only misfortune is to do it solemnly.
Jeremy tried to be an interesting person. The trouble was that he was the kind of person who, having decided to be an interesting person, would first of all try to find a book called How to Be An Interesting Person and then see whether there were any courses available.
Mr. Bibbit, you might warn this Mr. Harding that I'm so crazy I admit to voting for Eisenhower. Bibbit! You tell Mr. McMurphy I'm so crazy I voted for Eisenhower twice! And you tell Mr. Harding right back β he puts both hands on the table and leans down, his voice getting low β that I'm so crazy I plan to vote for Eisenhower again this November.
BEGGAR, n. One who has relied on the assistance of his friends.
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