QuoteProject
If you live in New York, even if you're Catholic, you're Jewish
Lenny Bruce
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that living in New York City cultivates a shared cultural identity, transcending religious boundaries.

Lenny Bruce's quote reflects the idea that in a diverse and vibrant city like New York, different cultures and backgrounds intermingle to create a unique social fabric. It implies that the city's cosmopolitan nature allows individuals to adopt elements of various cultures, leading to a blend of identities, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of people despite their traditional religious affiliations.

Themes

New YorkCultureIdentityDiversityReligion

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the melting pot nature of cities, this quote can highlight how urban living influences identity.

More from Lenny Bruce

The only honest art form is laughter, comedy. You can't fake it... try to fake three laughs in an hour - ha ha ha ha ha - they'll take you away, man. You can't.
Lenny BruceRead
If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.
Lenny BruceRead
I'm not a comedian. I'm Lenny Bruce.
Lenny BruceRead
I'll die young, but it's like kissing God.
Lenny BruceRead
All my humor is based on destruction and despair. If the whole world were tranquil, without disease and violence, I'd be standing in the bread line - right in back of J. Edgar Hoover.
Lenny BruceRead
In the Halls of Justice the only justice is in the halls.
Lenny BruceRead

Similar quotes

Sometimes you get the cynical person saying, 'Do we really need another book set in Nazi Germany?' But I think you just have to ask, 'Is this a story worth telling?'
Markus ZusakRead
A Church that has lost its voice for justice is a Church that has lost its relevance in the world.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read
A thought may arise: 'It's okay now, but it's going to be different when I step out the door'. Already you are anticipating your downfall. Recognise these as just thoughts. You can just watch them, feel their pull yet observe them as a movement in consciousness. Stay put as formless awareness.
MoojiRead
I remember that grand word of the Katha Upanishad - Shraddhâ or marvellous faith. An instance of Shraddha can be found in the life of Nachiketâ. To preach the doctrine of Shraddha or genuine faith is the mission of my life. Let me repeat to you that this faith is one of the potent factors of humanity and of all religions. First, have faith in yourselves.
Swami VivekanandaRead
To live is to feel oneself lost.
Jose Ortega Y GassetRead
Through this feeling of helplessness suddenly burst a piercing nostalgia for the lost world of childhood. The way it came right up against the heart, that world, and against the face. No indoors or outdoors, only everything touching us, and the grown-ups lumbering past overhead like constellations.
Denis JohnsonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.