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Sport, as I have discovered, fosters international…

“Sport, as I have discovered, fosters international hostility and leads the audience, no doubt from boredom, to assault and do grievous bodily harm while watching it. The fact that audiences at the National Theatre rarely break bottles over one another's heads, and that Opera fans seldom knee one…” quote by John Mortimer
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““Sport, as I have discovered, fosters international hostility and leads the audience, no doubt from boredom, to assault and do grievous bodily harm while watching it. The fact that audiences at the National Theatre rarely break bottles over one another's heads, and that Opera fans seldom knee one another in the groin during the long intervals at Covent Garden, convinces me that theatre is safer than sport.””

John Mortimer

About This Quote

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

Sport can provoke aggression and boredom, leading to violent reactions, whereas theatre is generally calmer and less likely to incite physical conflict.

In simple terms: Sport may cause violent outbursts; theatre is safer.

Key Takeaway

Choose calmer entertainment when possible.

Themes

sports violence entertainment culture audience behavior

Mood

critical reflective

Type

cultural analytical

When to use this quote

  • watching sports
  • attending theatre
  • event planning
  • crowd management

Key Concepts

aggression boredom social dynamics risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does sport always incite aggression?
  • How can venues reduce boredom?
A Different Perspective

Not all sports are violent; many enjoy them peacefully.

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