Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
Groucho MarxRead
No man goes before his time - unless the boss leaves early.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously suggests that timing is often out of our control, especially in the workplace.
Groucho Marx's quote plays on the notion of job-related timing, implying that people typically leave their positions in life at their designated moments. However, the joke highlights how an early departure by a superior can disrupt this natural order, bringing humor to the idea that our schedules are often dictated by others' choices rather than our own. It reflects the absurdities of professional life and the often arbitrary nature of time in relation to authority.
Themes
TimeHumorWorkplaceAuthorityAbsurdity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be a light-hearted addition to a work presentation about workplace culture.
More from Groucho Marx
All quotes βJohn you say you met in an elevator. Was the elevator going up at the time, or down? This is very important, for going down in an elevator one always has that sinking feeling and for all I know you may have this confused with love. If you were going up, it is clearly a case of love at first sight.
Groucho MarxRead
Firefly: Where is your husband? Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead. Firefly: I'll bet he's just using that as an excuse. Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end. Firefly: Hmmph. No wonder he passed away. Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him. Firefly: Oh I see. Then, it was murder.
Groucho MarxRead
Chico: "Here's the book, it's a dollar" Groucho: "Here's a ten, and shoot the change." Chico: "I don't have change I'd have to give you nine more books.
Groucho MarxRead
Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
Groucho MarxRead
Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!
Groucho MarxRead
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