A. Whitney Brown Quotes

Powerful A. Whitney Brown for Daily Growth

About A. Whitney Brown

A. Whitney Brown (1914-1992) was an influential American writer and humorist, best known for his witty observations of human nature and satirical portrayals of contemporary society. Born on March 5, 1914, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brown's interest in writing was sparked at an early age. He started contributing to school newspapers and won the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin High School Short Story Contest while still a teenager. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in English literature, Brown began his professional career as a writer for various magazines and radio shows, including The New Yorker and CBS Radio. It was during this time that he started contributing to the popular radio program "The Burns and Allen Show," where he gained widespread recognition for his humorous sketches. In 1946, Brown published his first book, "The Laugh Parade," a collection of humorous essays and stories. The success of this book led to a long and prolific career as an author, during which he penned numerous works, including "The Human Comedy" (1952), "A Mule for Uncle Charley" (1961), and "The Trouble with Me Is That I'm Not Like Other People" (1973). His works often tackled societal issues of the time, offering sharp, insightful commentary on contemporary America. Brown was also a frequent contributor to CBS Television, where he wrote for various programs such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Garry Moore Show." His humor and insights continued to resonate with audiences, making him one of the most beloved writers of his generation. A. Whitney Brown passed away on October 17, 1992, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to entertain and inspire readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of a good sermon is to have a good text."

This quote emphasizes that a compelling and effective sermon (or any communication, for that matter) relies heavily on the quality of its foundation or source material. A "good text" refers not only to the biblical passage used in a religious context but can also signify a well-chosen piece of literature, research, or experience when communicating ideas. The underlying message is that a strong, relevant, and meaningful foundation is essential for delivering a persuasive and impactful sermon or communication to your audience.


"Comedy is missing its most important ingredient – laughter."

This quote suggests that, according to A. Whitney Brown, comedy's essence or purpose is being undermined if it lacks laughter from its audience. In other words, the absence of genuine humor or joy in response to a comedic act means that the intended function of comedy - to bring amusement and pleasure - has not been effectively achieved. This observation highlights the symbiotic relationship between comedy and laughter: without laughter, comedy is incomplete.


"Preaching is the art of applying biblical truths."

A. Whitney Brown's quote emphasizes that preaching is not just about delivering biblical texts, but rather about translating those texts into practical wisdom for daily life. Preaching, in this context, is a creative process of connecting the timeless truths found within the Bible to contemporary experiences, helping individuals apply these principles to their own lives and relationships. It's about making the sacred scriptures relevant, relatable, and transformative, so that people may grow spiritually and live more abundant lives according to God's teachings.


"A joke is a very serious thing."

A. Whitney Brown's quote emphasizes that humor, despite appearing lighthearted or trivial to some, carries substantial weight in human interactions. Jokes can serve as powerful tools for communication, bonding, and understanding. They often reflect societal norms, beliefs, or fears, making them a mirror of our collective consciousness. Therefore, crafting a joke requires a keen sense of observation, empathy, and wit, demonstrating that they are indeed very serious matters in the broader context of human connections and shared experience.


"The best way to hold a person in eternal suspense is to pursue him eternally."

A. Whitney Brown's quote suggests that persistently pursuing someone can create a state of ongoing, unresolved anticipation or suspense within them. This prolonged pursuit, without resolution or conclusion, keeps the person in a perpetual state of uncertainty or longing. The implication is that this type of endless pursuit can be a form of control, manipulation, or emotional torture, as it prevents the person from moving forward and finding closure or peace.


Harry S. Truman had his moods. His birthplace is the only tourist attraction in America where you don't see Japanese with cameras.

- A. Whitney Brown

Had, Harry, Moods, Attraction

That is the saving grace of humor, if you fail no one is laughing at you.

- A. Whitney Brown

Humor, Fail, Saving, Laughing

A group of white South Africans recently killed a black lawyer because he was black. That was wrong. They should have killed him because he was a lawyer.

- A. Whitney Brown

Black, South, Recently, Lawyer

Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait.

- A. Whitney Brown

Student, Average, Kuwait, Smarter

I'm not an atheist. How can you not believe in something that doesn't exist? That's way too convoluted for me.

- A. Whitney Brown

Believe, Convoluted, Atheist

The past actually happened but history is only what someone wrote down.

- A. Whitney Brown

History, Someone, Actually, Happened

I am not a vegetarian because I love animals; I am a vegetarian because I hate plants.

- A. Whitney Brown

Love, Food, I Love, Vegetarian

I am as frustrated with society as a pyromaniac in a petrified forest.

- A. Whitney Brown

Society, Forest, Frustrated, Petrified

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