This is the best of times. This is the worst of times.
On the one hand, this is the most prosperous, healthy, and progressive the world has ever been (even despite the huge disparities in the wealth of nations and individuals). On the other hand, WTF is going on with the world?
We live in a post-truth, fake news, dumbed-down by smart-phones, age of instant gratification.
To those of us, who think reason and logic should at least have some say in what happens in the world, this is a disheartening time.
So, when conventional wisdom goes out of the window, perhaps it is time to turn to the stupid; and who exemplifies stupidity any better than Homer Simpson?
Now, before you question my own sanity, remember this: not only is Homer the head of a family celebrating the 28th Season of its eponymous show; not only has the University of Glasgow offered a university course on the philosophy of Homer Simpson; but back in 2000 The Simpsons predicted that Donald Trump would be President.
Homer in Ancient Greece was the legendary writer of the epic poems, The Illiad and The Odyssey. These quotes by Homer Simpson ain’t poetry, but they are insightful nonetheless.
So, without Much Further Ad’oh (see what I did there?), here are 10 brilliant quotes from Homer Simpson to help us celebrate the glorious wisdom of stupidity. In these very serious times, a little light relief is always a good thing.
(no special checklist this week so a reminder that you can get onto my mailing list by downloading my Elevator Pitch Cheat Sheet)
1. Homer on the English language
“English. Who needs that? I’m never going to England”
2. Homer on Statistics
People can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that.
3. Homer on Trying
Trying is just the first step towards failure
4. Homer on Children
I believe that children are our future, unless we stop them now.
5. Homer on Alcohol
Alcohol – the cause of and solution to all of life’s problems.
6. Homer on Lying
It takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen
7. Homer on Working
Lisa, if you don’t like your job you don’t strike. You just go in every day and do it really half-assed. That’s the American way.
8. Homer on Racism
Books are useless. I only ever read one book “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds. Sure it taught me not to judge a man by the colour of his skin, but what good does that do me?
9. Homer on Women
When a woman says there’s nothing wrong, it means everything’s wrong. And when a woman says everything’s wrong, it means everything’s wrong
10. Homer on Money
With $10,000 we’d be like millionaires. We could buy all sorts of useful things, like love.
Kolarele Sonaike
Founder, Elevator Pitch School