You see people who are still there doing things but their souls have disappeared so there's no joy in it anymore, so I'm scared of not listening to the part of me that knows when it's time to stop something and start something new.
Simon AmstellRead
I felt like there was something wrong with me in my twenties but, when I started doing stand up comedy, I learnt that if you tell the truth it's really funny and people connect to it. So I think if I keep doing that then I'll be happy.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea that honesty can lead to personal happiness and connection with others through humor.
In this quote, Simon Amstell shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance through the lens of stand-up comedy. Initially feeling a sense of inadequacy in his twenties, he found that expressing his truths in a humorous way resonated with others. This realization not only brought him joy but also fostered genuine connections with his audience, highlighting the power of authenticity and the universal appeal of shared experiences.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire young comedians struggling with self-doubt.
You see people who are still there doing things but their souls have disappeared so there's no joy in it anymore, so I'm scared of not listening to the part of me that knows when it's time to stop something and start something new.
I don't see the point of doing comedy unless it comes from pain.
I think as much as I talk about humour being a defence mechanism, I'm also really grateful that I developed it, because I now have it as a choice, rather than a panic button. I feel like it's there if I want to use it. It's fun.
By saying the thing that I'm most embarrassed about on stage, I end up witnessing the fact that it isn't a problem. People don't usually walk out, when I say the thing that I'm deeply ashamed of.
A sense of humor is good for you. Have you ever heard of a laughing hyena with heart burn?
As soon as I go into a dark subject, like discussing the people I've loved and lost, I off-road into absurdist comedy perversion. It's both a means of protection and a kind of denial, a blessing and a curse. Wait, it's not a blessing at all. I guess it would be a bad habit and a curse.
I did toy with the idea of doing a cook-book . . . The recipes were to be the routine ones: how to make dry toast, instant coffee, hearts of lettuce and brownies. But as an added attraction, at no extra charge, my idea was to put a fried egg on the cover. I think a lot of people who hate literature but love fried eggs would buy it if the price was right.
The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.
I require only three things of a man. He must be handsome, ruthless and stupid.
As soon as I realized you could be funny as a job, that was the job I wanted.
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