Clowning Quote by Danny Wallace
““Because it is illegal to talk to a stranger on a train, it can sometimes be confusing when someone stands on your foot or hits you with their briefcase and then fails to say sorry. Which is why I have decided to carry an air horn with me at all times, and when someone stands on my foot I will set it off in their face and then go back to reading my paper. I imagine this will make people want to avoid standing on my feet, but if I've paid good money for the air horn, I'll want to use it, so I'll wear massive clown-shoes while travelling. I'll also wear a red nose and a wig. Essentially, I really want to get into clowning.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast, Danny Wallace, 2018
The speaker humorously justifies using an air horn and clown attire to deter foot‑stepping on trains, highlighting absurdity of over‑reactive personal safety measures.
In simple terms: Uses a loud horn and clown costume to stop people from stepping on his foot on a train.
Key Takeaway
Consider practical, non‑disruptive ways to protect personal space.
Themes
humor
personal safety
absurdity
social norms
Mood
playful
lighthearted
critical
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- Commuting
- crowded public transport
- personal safety strategies
Key Concepts
Boundaries
public behavior
self‑expression
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it better to address the issue calmly or with humor?
- What are effective ways to signal personal boundaries in public?
A Different Perspective
Excessive reactions can cause more conflict than they prevent.
