--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: At John Schlesinger's funeral at a…" description: "\"At John Schlesinger's funeral at a synagogue in St John's Wood some years ago the person I stood next to said to me encouragingly, 'Come on, Stephen - ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24b/stephen-fry-573_believe_at-john-schlesinger-s-funeral-at-a-synag_361762.png" --- # At John Schlesinger's funeral at a synagogue in St John's… ![“At John Schlesinger's funeral at a synagogue in St John's Wood some years ago the person I stood next to said to me encouragingly, 'Come on, Stephen - you're not singing. Have a go!' 'Believe me, Paul, you don't want me to,' I said. Besides, I was having a much better time listening to him. 'No…” quote by Stephen Fry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24b/stephen-fry-573_believe_at-john-schlesinger-s-funeral-at-a-synag_361762.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24b/stephen-fry-573_believe_at-john-schlesinger-s-funeral-at-a-synag_361762.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24b/stephen-fry-573_believe_at-john-schlesinger-s-funeral-at-a-synag_361762.png) > “At John Schlesinger's funeral at a synagogue in St John's Wood some years ago the person I stood next to said to me encouragingly, 'Come on, Stephen - you're not singing. Have a go!' 'Believe me, Paul, you don't want me to,' I said. Besides, I was having a much better time listening to him. 'No. Go on!' So I joined in the chorus. 'You're right,' Paul McCartney conceded. 'You can't sing.” [Stephen Fry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-fry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Even when lacking talent, encouragement can push you to try and enjoy the experience. **In simple terms:** Encouragement can lead to unexpected participation. Key Takeaway Accept encouragement and try new things. Themes confidence encouragement self‑discovery Mood reflective humorous Type personal storytelling When to use this quote - team activities - public speaking - performance - social events Key Concepts social pressure personal growth Questions to Reflect On - When should you decline a challenge? - How does peer pressure affect decisions? A Different Perspective Pressure may cause discomfort; not all encouragement is appropriate. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Funeral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funeral/) [Singing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/singing/) [Synagogue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/synagogue/) [Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/woods/) ## Related quotes > [I believe that when Paul plants and Apollos waters, God gives the increase; and I have no patience with those who throw the blame…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-spurgeon/i-believe-that-when-paul-plants-and-apollos-waters-god-gives-the/) [Charles Spurgeon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-spurgeon/) > [When I look at the cross, I learn to say: 'The Son of God loved me, and gave Himself for me' (Galatians 2:20). I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/when-i-look-at-the-cross-i-learn-to-say-the-son-of-god-loved-me-and/) [Sinclair B. 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