I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it.
Joan RiversRead
I was so ugly that my parents sent my picture to 'ripley's believe it or not' - they sent it back and said, "we don't believe it."
Interpretation
This quote humorously highlights self-deprecation and the absurdity of personal perception.
Joan Rivers uses humor to convey a deep-seated self-critique about her appearance, playfully suggesting that even a renowned publication dedicated to the bizarre found her looks unbelievable. The quote reflects how humor can be a coping mechanism for insecurities and a means to connect with others through shared laughter.
In practice
In a stand-up comedy show, one could reference this quote to highlight the humor in self-critique.
I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it.
"I've learned what's funny verbally ain't so funny on e-mail: They don't hear your intonations. Melissa broke up with somebody over that. She tried to tell him: "That was a joke!" But he just didn't get it. Mick Jagger said, "F- 'em if they don't get the joke." And I love him. That comes with age: Knowing it's their problem, not mine."
I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive.
Life goes by fast. Enjoy it. Calm down. It's all funny.
Life is so tough. I don't know how old you are, but I've seen so much in a wink. One phone call and your life is changed forever. We all know that. You better laugh at everything.
I walk on a stage, and I know if it's been a good show or not. You know when it's been a good interview. No one has to tell you. You know it. You feel it. You can feel the air. You can feel everything about it when it's a good show. And you know when you've messed up.
The laughter of man is more terrible than his tears, and takes more forms hollow, heartless, mirthless, maniacal.
Golf acts as a corrective against sinful pride. I attribute the insane arrogance of the later Roman Emperors almost entirely to the fact that, never having played golf, they never knew that strange chastening humility which is engendered by a topped chip shot. If Cleopatra had been ousted in the first round of the Ladies' Singles, we should have heard a lot less of her proud imperiousness.
Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations.
When someone pitches a joke for a character that is just perfect, and you can imagine that actor reading that line at your table read or on the set, it's like the sound of a snap snapping into place.
Women have a wonderful instinct about things. They can discover everything except the obvious.
All higher humor begins with ceasing to take oneself seriously.
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