Ass Quote by David Lloyd George
“One day while Lloyd George was making a political speech before a big crowd, a heckler yelled, "Wait a minute, Mr. George. Isn't it true your grandfather used to peddle tinware around here in an oxcart hauled by a donkey?" Lloyd George replied, "I digress just a moment and thank the gentlemen for calling that to my attention. It is true, my dear old grandfather used to peddle tinware with an old cart and a donkey. As a matter of fact, after this meeting is over, if my friend will come with me, I will show him that old cart, but I never knew until this minute what became of the ass."”
About This Quote
Source Anecdote: Political rally, early 20th century, United Kingdom
Lloyd George humorously acknowledged his humble family background when challenged, showing self‑deprecation and political poise.
In simple terms: He admitted his grandfather was a tinware seller with a donkey cart.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility in public life.
Themes
humility
political rhetoric
self‑deprecation
public speaking
class awareness
Mood
wry
self‑aware
Type
political
humorous
When to use this quote
- Political speeches
- public debates
- media interviews
Key Concepts
Social class
political image management
personal narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about class perceptions?
- How can self‑deprecation affect leadership credibility?
A Different Perspective
Humor can be misread as weakness or distract from policy.
![“I rang Brian [Mulroney] up. I said, "What's this bloody nonsense. You've got a wheat trade with Iraq and you won't come aboard?" I said, "We've got a bloody big wheat trade too, so get your priorities right." And he said, "Okay, Bob. I'll come." I rang George and he was very appreciative.” quote by Bob Hawke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/234/bob-hawke-7891_appreciative_i-rang-brian-mulroney-up-i-said-what-s-t_2375863.jpg)
