Appropriate Quote by Will Rogers
“Well, another senator rose and said {as they always do} 'Does the gentleman yield?' They always say that - least they call each other 'gentleman' in there. But the tone they put on the word, it would sound more appropriate if they came right out and said 'Would the coyote from Maine yield?' 'cause that's about the way it sounds. Well, then, the other senator says 'I yield' (for if he don't the other guy'll keep on talking anyhow). So the coyote from Maine says 'I yield to...the polecat from Oregon!'”
About This Quote
Source Film: The Story of Will Rogers, 1938
Politicians often use polite language to mask underlying rivalry, turning debate into a theatrical performance.
In simple terms: Polite words hide real competition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and cut through superficial politeness.
Themes
politics
communication
ritual
competition
Mood
sarcastic
wry
critical
Type
satirical
observational
humorous
When to use this quote
- parliamentary debate
- media interviews
- legislative sessions
- public negotiations
Key Concepts
rhetoric
power dynamics
performance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape power relations?
- When does courtesy become a barrier?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can obscure genuine disagreement and stall progress.
![“Once [the Senator's] brain has come into play with the mysterious stranger, that stranger exists, really does exist: he will not disappear from the Petersburg prospects while a senator with such thoughts exists, because thought, too, exists. And so let our stranger be a real live stranger! And let…” quote by Andrei Bely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd9/andrei-bely-47032_russian-literature_once-the-senator-s-brain-has-come-into-p_2140326.jpg)
![“[T]he appropriate form of address between man and man ought to be, not monsieur, sir, but fellow sufferer, compagnon de miseres.” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be6/arthur-schopenhauer-226_addresses_t-he-appropriate-form-of-address-between_32897.jpg)
