Business Quote by George S. Kaufman
““(Popular singer Eddie Fisher, appearing on This is Show Business, told Kaufman that women refused to date him because he looked so young.) Mr. Fisher, on Mount Wilson there is a telescope that can magnify the most distant stars up to twenty-four times the magnification of any previous telescope. This remarkable instrument was unsurpassed in the world of astronomy until the construction of the Mount Palomar telescope, an even more remarkable instrument of magnification. Owing to advances and improvements in optical technology, it is capable of magnifying the stars to four times the magnification and resolution of the Mount Wilson telescope - Mr. Fisher, if you could somehow put the Mount Wilson telescope inside the Mount Palomar telescope, you still wouldn't be able to detect my interest in your problem.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Man Who Came to Dinner, 1939
Exaggerated analogy highlights absurdity of overinflated expectations versus personal disinterest.
In simple terms: Overblown claims don’t reflect true interest.
Key Takeaway
Don’t be swayed by flashy promises.
Themes
humor
exaggeration
expectation
communication
Mood
sarcastic
witty
Type
humorous
critical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- dating
- marketing pitches
- political debates
Key Concepts
rhetoric
satire
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you dismissed something because of overstatement?
- How do you recognize sincere interest?
A Different Perspective
Hyperbole can mask genuine intent.
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