Earl Long Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Foolishness doth make a man mighty foolish."

The quote by Earl Long, "Foolishness doth make a man mighty foolish," suggests that acting without wisdom or prudence can lead an individual to make poor decisions and, consequently, exacerbate their own folly. In other words, consistently engaging in foolish behavior not only makes one appear unwise but also reinforces and magnifies the foolishness itself. To avoid such a predicament, it is essential to exercise good judgment, think critically, and learn from past mistakes.

"You can't beat everybody, son, but you can sure beat a lot of 'em."

This quote by Earl Long implies that it is impossible to always outperform or defeat everyone, but one can still achieve success by focusing on competing effectively against many others. It encourages the spirit of competition and resilience, emphasizing that while some victories may be unattainable, significant progress can be made by striving to excel over a large number of contenders. The message is hopeful and encouraging, suggesting that with effort, determination, and strategy, one can achieve great things and win in many areas of life.

"The only thing I know is every day I wake up for the opposition."

This quote by Earl Long suggests that he finds purpose and motivation in the struggle or opposition he encounters daily. It implies a determination to persevere through challenges, as well as an active engagement with conflicting ideas or adversaries. This attitude can be interpreted as resilience, tenacity, and a commitment to standing up for one's beliefs.

"Politics is like a roulette wheel - you put your money on whatever number is winning at the moment and hope it keeps winning."

This quote by Earl Long reflects a pragmatic, often cynical view of politics. He suggests that, much like a game of roulette where one bets on the number most likely to win, politicians should align themselves with the popular or influential groups within society in order to increase their chances of success. In essence, it's an acknowledgment that political power can be fluid and dynamic, requiring flexibility and adaptability from those who seek it.

"If you can't explain politics to a six-year old, you don't understand it yourself." - This quote is often misattributed to Earl Long; it was actually said by former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O'Neill, but is associated with Long due to its similarity in sentiment and Long's political career.

This quote suggests that if one cannot simplify politics to a level that a six-year-old can understand, it indicates a lack of comprehension on the part of the speaker. In other words, understanding politics requires clarity, simplicity, and the ability to strip complex ideas down to their essence. It is not just about having knowledge, but being able to communicate that knowledge in an accessible way.