Skip to content

Old friend, there are people—young and old—that I like…

“Old friend, there are people—young and old—that I like, and people that I do not like. The former are always in short supply. I am turned off by humorless fanaticism, whether it's revolutionary mumbo-jumbo by a young one, or loud lessons from scripture by and old one. We are all comical, touching…” quote by John D. MacDonald
Download Open image
“Old friend, there are people—young and old—that I like, and people that I do not like. The former are always in short supply. I am turned off by humorless fanaticism, whether it's revolutionary mumbo-jumbo by a young one, or loud lessons from scripture by and old one. We are all comical, touching, slapstick animals, walking on our hind legs, trying to make it a noble journey from womb to tomb, and the people who can't see it all that way bore hell out of me.”

John D. MacDonald

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author laments that genuine, open‑hearted people are rare, while he despises dogmatic zealotry of any age, preferring humor and humanity in life's absurd journey.

In simple terms: Good people are scarce; dogma is annoying.

Key Takeaway

Seek humor, avoid rigid extremes.

Themes

humanity humor dogmatism generational differences existential reflection

Mood

wry contemplative skeptical

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • friendships
  • political discourse
  • religious debates
  • personal growth
  • cultural commentary

Key Concepts

authenticity absurdity social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What qualities make a person truly likable to you?
  • How do you balance humor with seriousness in relationships?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone will share your sense of humor or tolerance for absurdity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John D. MacDonald

Explore all 80 John D. MacDonald quotes

More Animal quotes

Browse all 13,456 Animal quotes