Acting is largely about putting on masks, and music is about removing them.
Hugh LaurieRead
L.A. runs on optimism, enthusiasm and flattery. I think you can go a little bit crazy. I've heard people say there's a limit to the number of years you can stay in this city without going slightly mad. It's just too damn sunny in every dimension - weather-wise, socially and professionally.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the overwhelming positivity of Los Angeles, suggesting that constant exposure to such optimism can drive one to madness.
Hugh Laurie’s quote reflects on the hyper-positive atmosphere of Los Angeles, where optimism and enthusiasm are prevalent. He insinuates that while such an environment can be invigorating, it may also lead individuals to lose their grip on reality, as the incessant sunshine and social pressures create a surreal existence that can border on madness. The interplay between external positivity and internal psyche brings forward the idea that too much of a good thing may not always be beneficial.
Themes
Los AngelesOptimismMadnessEnthusiasmSunshine
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the dynamics of city life, you might quote Laurie's observation to provoke thought about the effects of constant positivity.
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As a real person, he wouldn't last a minute, would he? But drama is about imperfection. And we've moved away from the aspirational hero. We got tired of it, it was dull. If I was House's friend, I would hate it. How he so resolutely refuses to be happy or take the kind-hearted road. But we don't always like morally good people, do we?
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To tell you the truth, the older I get, the less I know. I keep meeting people, both older and younger, who seem to have accrued so much more knowledge or expertise or certainty about who they are and the jobs they do. I just marvel at it.
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I have a reverence for medicine because I hero-worshiped my father [a former doctor], and because I admire doctors, I admire study, empiricism and rational thought. I don't study, empiricize or think rationally myself - but I admire it in others.
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I think good-looking people seldom make good television. And American television studios almost concede before they start: 'Well, it won't be good, but at least it'll be good-looking. We'll have nice-looking girls in tight shirts with F.B.I. badges and fit-looking guys with lots of hair gel vaulting over things.'
Hugh LaurieRead
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