Al Lewis Quotes

Powerful Al Lewis for Daily Growth

About Al Lewis

Al Lewis (1934-2006) was an American author, humorist, actor, and political satirist, renowned for his biting wit, social commentary, and unconventional perspectives on contemporary issues. Born in the Bronx, New York, on January 2, 1934, Lewis grew up during a time of significant cultural and societal change, influences that would later shape his work. After serving in the U.S. Army, Lewis embarked on a career as a journalist and television writer. He penned scripts for numerous sitcoms throughout the 1960s, including "That Was the Week That Was," "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," and "The Munsters." In the late 1960s, Lewis transitioned to print journalism as a columnist for various publications, including The National Lampoon and Playboy Magazine. Lewis achieved widespread notoriety in 1970 with the publication of his seminal work, "Thegoons: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the F Bomb." This irreverent satire, featuring an array of outrageous characters, offered a biting commentary on American society and politics. The book became a best-seller and established Lewis as a prominent cultural critic. Throughout his career, Lewis continued to publish essays, books, and plays that tackled controversial topics with his signature blend of humor and insight. His works frequently targeted political figures and institutions, earning him both acclaim and criticism. In addition to his writing, Lewis pursued acting roles in films such as "Network" (1976) and "The Muppet Movie" (1979). Al Lewis passed away on August 25, 2006, but his legacy endures as a pioneering satirist who fearlessly challenged societal norms and provoked thoughtful discussion. His quotable quotes continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"There's nothing wrong with Kansas City, Kansas - it's the rest of the world that's wrong."

This quote suggests a strong sense of pride and loyalty towards Kansas City, Kansas, and implies a belief that its values or qualities are superior to those found in other parts of the world. It could also be interpreted as a sentiment that the speaker believes the rest of the world should strive to emulate the positive aspects they see in Kansas City, Kansas. Ultimately, it's a declaration of love and appreciation for one's hometown or community.


"I don't belong to an organized political party. I am a Democrat."

The quote signifies that Al Lewis identifies himself as a member of the Democratic Party in the U.S. political system, but not necessarily as part of any specific group or faction within it. This might imply a preference for democratic ideals and values, rather than strict adherence to any particular party platform or ideology.


"We've got to stop meeting like this." (as Festus on Gunsmoke)

This quote by Al Lewis, in character as Festus on Gunsmoke, is a humorous way of expressing frustration or exhaustion. It suggests that the current situation or meetings are repetitive, unproductive, or tedious, and a change is needed - perhaps a new approach, fewer meetings, or more efficient discussions.


"There are three things that are important: the first thing is to be invited, the second thing is to be well-dressed, and the third thing is to arrive early and go home early."

This quote by Al Lewis suggests the value of being socially gracious and aware in social situations. The "first thing" refers to being included in events or gatherings. Being invited indicates acceptance and recognition within a group. The "second thing" emphasizes the importance of appearing well-dressed, which can project an image of respect and consideration for the occasion. Lastly, the "third thing" implies arriving early (showing courtesy and interest) and leaving early (respecting others' time and avoiding overstaying one's welcome). Essentially, Lewis is advising that good manners and thoughtfulness in social interactions can contribute to a positive impression and a harmonious experience for all involved.


"The only thing we have to fear is...more government."

This quote by Al Lewis emphasizes a perspective that excessive government intervention or expansion can potentially pose a threat to individual freedom and liberty. The underlying idea is that while government serves important roles such as maintaining law and order, too much control may stifle innovation, creativity, and personal responsibility, ultimately leading to an over-regulated society. This viewpoint reflects a philosophical leaning towards limited government intervention in people's lives.


I've been in the struggle over seventy years - it doesn't bother me I may not win.

- Al Lewis

Over, Been, Bother, I May Not

I know who I am. I don't have to brag. I know what I contributed. I know what I did. You think you can do it better? Hey, go right ahead. The stage is yours.

- Al Lewis

Think, Go, Ahead, Brag

I was an organizer in the Food, Agricultural and Tobacco Workers Union down in North Carolina.

- Al Lewis

Carolina, Agricultural, Tobacco

The ruling class is smarter than you, and they're more creative. And if you forget that lesson, you go down the drain. Because if they weren't, they wouldn't be around as long as they have been and as strong as they have been.

- Al Lewis

Strong, Been, Ruling Class, Smarter

Oscar Wilde said the rich and the poor are equal - they can both sleep under the bridge. Right? Do they have a right? You're damn right they have a right!

- Al Lewis

Rich, Right, Oscar, Wilde

Understood what the struggle was about. My mother. Couldn't read or write, but she had more sense than many a graduate from Harvard.

- Al Lewis

More, About, Read, Understood

Every Friday I used to have about fifty, sixty kids who would wait for me on Sunset Boulevard and I'd take them all to dinner. All runaways.

- Al Lewis

Wait, Sixty, Boulevard, Friday

I think people need housing. And there's empty buildings, I think people should live in there. If you want to call them squatters, trespassers, hey, I call Wall Street thieves!

- Al Lewis

Think, Need, I Think, Hey

What motivated me? My mother. My mother was an immigrant woman, a peasant woman, struggled all her life, worked in the garment center.

- Al Lewis

Mom, Peasant, Motivated, Garment

I probably worked every single entertainment medium, including some that don't exist. I worked the circus, carnival, I had my own medicine show, I worked 18 years of radio.

- Al Lewis

Some, My Own, Including, Carnival

I'm more important to me than any body you can mention. Do you know that?

- Al Lewis

Important, More, Than, Do You Know

America gets the politicians they deserve. That's it. And you keep struggling.

- Al Lewis

Deserve, Politicians, Keep, Struggling

I prefer that for my own satisfaction over radio, there's no audience. TV, there's no audience. I need the response of the audience, even if it's a silent response.

- Al Lewis

Audience, Over, TV, Response

But find something that you absolutely love doing. And then get to love the way you do it. That's the uniqueness of all of us. That's it.

- Al Lewis

Love, Doing, Then, To Love

I'm for everyone having the opportunity to accept a $150,000 bribe.

- Al Lewis

Everyone, Having, Bribe

As long as you gave it your best shot, even if in the opinion of others 'you failed,' you didn't fail.

- Al Lewis

Best, Failed, Your, Gave

I have an old brain but a terrific memory.

- Al Lewis

Memory, Brain, Old, Terrific

I went to all the Love-Ins. I took my kids. I enjoyed myself.

- Al Lewis

Myself, Took, Kids, Enjoyed

There's more to anybody. Just because you haven't noticed it, that's your problem, that's not mine.

- Al Lewis

More, Anybody, Mine, Noticed

The struggle goes on. The victory is in the struggle, for me. And I accepted that a long time ago.

- Al Lewis

Victory, Long Time, Goes, Accepted

My secret for success? I don't know what the hell success means.

- Al Lewis

Success, Know, Means, Hell

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