George S. Kaufman Quotes

Powerful George S. Kaufman for Daily Growth

About George S. Kaufman

George Simon Kaufman (June 16, 1889 – February 24, 1961) was an American playwright, librettist, and theatre director, who made significant contributions to Broadway and Hollywood with his witty, clever, and socially incisive works. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kaufman's love for theater emerged early when he began writing skits for school shows. He pursued a journalistic career after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, but quickly found his calling in the world of theater. In 1913, he moved to New York and became associated with the famed Greenwich Village Follies, where he worked alongside future collaborator, Edna Ferber. Kaufman's first major success came with "The Butter and Egg Man" (1916), a play about political corruption. This was followed by numerous Broadway hits, including "Shoulder Arms" (1918), "Dulcy" (1921), "Of Thee I Sing" (1931), which won the first Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (1939). In addition to his plays, Kaufman wrote for Hollywood, penning screenplays for films such as "My Sister Eileen" (1942) and "The African Queen" (1951), for which he received an Academy Award nomination. Kaufman's works were characterized by their insightful commentary on contemporary society, biting satire, and memorable characters. He was known for his collaboration with Moss Hart on numerous productions, including the critically acclaimed "Once in a Lifetime" (1930) and "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Kaufman's influence extended beyond his works, as he mentored several younger playwrights and was instrumental in shaping the American theater scene of the early 20th century. His wit and wisdom continue to resonate today, encapsulated in quotes such as "The secret of life is honesty and integrity. If you cannot bear to tell the truth about yourself, neither can you bear to tell the truth about others."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of life is that all good things are wild and free."

This quote by George S. Kaufman suggests that the true essence of a fulfilling life lies in embracing what is natural, spontaneous, and untamed – the 'good things' in life. It implies that these elements of joy, growth, and satisfaction are not confined or limited, but rather wild and free, inviting us to let go of strictures and limitations, and instead, connect with our authentic selves and the world around us.


"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."

This quote underscores the profound value we place on our cognitive faculties and intellectual abilities. In essence, it expresses a deep sense of longing for one's mental clarity, creativity, and problem-solving skills – qualities that often define us as individuals and enable us to navigate life effectively. The loss of these mental capacities can evoke feelings of nostalgia and sorrow, as they are instrumental in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.


"The harder you work for something, the harder it is to let go."

This quote underscores the emotional bond that can develop between a person and their goals or possessions when significant effort has been invested in them. It suggests that letting go of something difficult-won, whether a project, relationship, or ambition, can be challenging due to the personal investment and energy expended. The sentiment highlights the human tendency to cling to our accomplishments, even when it may no longer serve us well.


"There are three types of people: The first cares nothing for anything; the second cares for everything; and the third cares about everything in excess."

This quote by George S. Kaufman suggests that there are three main categories of individuals based on their approach to caring or concern towards different aspects of life. The first category, those who care for nothing, may be apathetic, uninterested, or indifferent. They might not have a strong sense of purpose or motivation to engage with the world around them. The second group cares for everything, indicating an all-encompassing empathy and concern towards various aspects of life, from global issues to personal matters. These individuals often demonstrate a deep sense of compassion and are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Lastly, those who care about everything in excess might be overly sensitive or passionate about multiple topics. This group may find it challenging to focus their energy effectively due to their strong emotional responses towards various issues, potentially leading to burnout or frustration. In essence, Kaufman's quote highlights the diverse ways people engage with the world and offers a unique perspective on human nature.


"I'll put off 'til tomorrow what I can do today after I get a better idea of exactly what it is I'm supposed to be doing tomorrow."

This quote expresses procrastination, or the habit of delaying tasks, often until a future time when one feels more prepared or knowledgeable about them. George S. Kaufman humorously suggests that he will avoid tasks today by waiting to understand what they are tomorrow, indirectly indicating a tendency to postpone responsibilities with the intention of tackling them at a later, possibly more convenient, time.


At dramatic rehearsals, the only author that's better than an absent one is a dead one.

- George S. Kaufman

Better, Than, Author, Rehearsals

Epitaph for a dead waiter - God finally caught his eye.

- George S. Kaufman

Eye, Caught, His, Epitaph

When I invite a woman to dinner, I expect her to look at my face. That's the price she has to pay.

- George S. Kaufman

Woman, Dinner, Pay, Invite

Satire is what closes on Saturday night.

- George S. Kaufman

Night, Satire, Saturday, Closes

When I was born I owed twelve dollars.

- George S. Kaufman

Funny, Born, I Was Born, Owed

Office hours are from 12 to 1 with an hour off for lunch.

- George S. Kaufman

Lunch, Hours, Hour, Office

The kind of doctor I want is one who when he's not examining me is home studying medicine.

- George S. Kaufman

Medicine, Kind, Want, Studying

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