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The truth is, I had always wanted to be a comedian, but I really didn't have that kind of personality, and it's a terrifying thing to say.
Jerry Seinfeld
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects Jerry Seinfeld's internal struggle with his desire to become a comedian despite feeling that he didn't have the right personality for it.

In this quote, Jerry Seinfeld candidly reveals his lifelong aspiration to be a comedian, while acknowledging the inherent fear and vulnerability that comes with such a declaration. He recognizes the challenges of stepping into the comedic world, especially when one's personality may not align with the stereotypical characteristics often associated with successful comedians, highlighting the tension between passion and self-perception.

Themes

TruthComedyFearPersonalityAspiration

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared during a comedy workshop to emphasize the importance of embracing one's fears.

More from Jerry Seinfeld

You spend so much time in the world of virtual that the actual - which nothing is more actual than stand-up - it's a painful experience for the audience, and the comedian a lot of time - we miss that.
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I didn't know every day I would be discussing the tone of my voice with my wife. I thought it was a marriage. Apparently, it's a musical.
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You know why dogs have no money? No pockets. 'Cause they see change on the street all the time and it's driving them crazy. When you're walking them, he is always looking up at you. "There's a quarter...."
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According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.
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There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men don't think there's a lot they don't know. Women do. Women want to learn. Men think, 'I know what I'm doing, just show me somebody naked.'
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There is no such thing as an attention span. There is only the quality of what you are viewing. This whole idea of an attention span is, I think, a misnomer. People have an infinite attention span if you are entertaining them.
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