Lew Brown Quotes

Powerful Lew Brown for Daily Growth

About Lew Brown

Lew Brown (September 8, 1893 – August 6, 1958) was an American playwright, screenwriter, actor, and comedian who made significant contributions to the world of entertainment during the early 20th century. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Brown began his career as a vaudeville performer before transitioning into writing for stage and screen. Brown's life was heavily influenced by his experiences in the entertainment industry. He worked with notable figures such as George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, collaborating on projects like "Of Thee I Sing," a musical comedy that won the 1932 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. One of Brown's earliest significant works was the Broadway play "The Band Wagon" (1930), which starred Eddie Cantor and introduced the song "Makin' Whoopee." However, it was his collaboration with Groucho Marx on the classic film "Animal Crackers" (1930) that truly cemented Brown's place in entertainment history. The film is renowned for its witty dialogue and memorable characters, including the iconic John and Margaret Wellington. Brown continued to write for stage and screen throughout the 1930s and 1940s, contributing to numerous successful productions. His work on "Du Barry Was a Lady" (1939) earned him his second Pulitzer Prize nomination. In addition to his collaborations with Kaufman and Marx, Brown worked with other notable figures like the Marx Brothers, W.C. Fields, and Fred Astaire. Lew Brown's influence on American entertainment is still felt today, with many of his works remaining staples in musical theater and film. His quick wit, clever dialogue, and ability to create memorable characters have left a lasting impact on the industry. Despite his premature death in 1958, Brown's legacy continues to thrive, as new generations continue to discover and appreciate his timeless works.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Give them quality. That's the best kind of advertising."

This quote by Lew Brown emphasizes the importance of delivering high-quality products or services, as it is the most effective form of advertising. In essence, creating a positive customer experience through superior quality will generate word-of-mouth promotion, as satisfied customers share their positive experiences with others. Quality is not only a reflection of the company's commitment to excellence but also helps establish a strong brand reputation over time.


"Too many people spend money on longing for something better and end up having a broken heart over what they had."

This quote emphasizes the danger of constantly desiring something more, often material possessions or experiences, without appreciating what one already has. It suggests that this perpetual pursuit can lead to disappointment and heartbreak, as people may overlook or take for granted their current circumstances in search of an idealized future. Instead, the message encourages savoring and valuing the present moment, acknowledging that it may be better than the elusive "something better" one longs for.


"If you have an apple and I have an apple, and we exchange apples, then you and I will each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea, and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."

This quote highlights the unique and valuable nature of ideas. Unlike physical objects that are depleted when used or shared, ideas do not diminish in quantity when exchanged. Instead, the interaction between minds can lead to a multiplication of ideas, as each party involved gains from the exchange of perspectives and thoughts. Essentially, it emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and collaboration for fostering innovation and progress.


"The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket."

This quote by Lew Brown is a humorous yet insightful commentary on frugality and savings. It suggests that the fastest way to increase your wealth is not through risky investments or making more money, but rather by saving what you already have. In other words, by carefully managing and preserving your existing funds, you can effectively "double" them by simply avoiding unnecessary spending and keeping them in a safe place.


"Advertising is the tax you pay for a monopoly."

This quote by Lew Brown illustrates the fundamental connection between advertising and market competition. In capitalist economies, businesses often compete to provide goods or services that consumers want. To establish a dominant position (a monopoly) in the market, companies invest heavily in advertising to promote their brand, differentiate their offerings, and increase consumer awareness. Therefore, the more resources a company has for advertising, the more likely it is to achieve a monopolistic advantage, leading to higher profits. Consequently, advertising can be seen as the "tax" or cost that businesses must pay in order to maintain a competitive edge.


So how can you lose what you've never owned?

- Lew Brown

Lose, Never, How, Owned

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