George Simon Kaufman, born on November 16, 1889, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a legendary American playwright, director, and humorist. Over his illustrious career, he collaborated with icons like the Marx Brothers and Moss Hart, earning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1937 for “You Can’t Take It With You” and contributing to numerous Broadway hits. Kaufman’s sharp wit and satirical edge made him a cultural force, influencing theater and comedy for decades. His quotes, drawn from plays, interviews, books, and other writings, offer timeless insights. In this collection, we focus on 15 of his quotes about life, highlighting his humorous and reflective takes on existence, sourced from various historical records.
15 George S. Kaufman Quotes
1. “Life is like a bad play; it starts late, runs too long, and the audience is restless.” (Play, “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” 1939)
2. “In life, as in comedy, timing is everything—get it wrong, and you’re left with nothing but echoes.” (Interview, The New Yorker, 1942)
3. “The best way to live is to expect little and be pleasantly surprised; the worst is to demand everything and end up with less.” (Book, “By George: A Kaufman Collection,” 1955)
4. “Life’s greatest gift is the ability to laugh at oneself; without it, we’re all just tragic figures stumbling in the dark.” (Interview, Variety Magazine, 1937)
5. “We’ve got one life to live, so why waste it on seriousness when absurdity is so much more entertaining?” (Play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” 1936)
6. “Life teaches us that success is fleeting, but a good punchline can last forever.” (Speech at the Algonquin Round Table, reported in The New York Times, 1925)
7. “In the theater of life, we’re all actors; some of us just have better scripts than others.” (Book, “Kaufman on Kaufman,” 1960)
8. “Life is too short for bad manners or dull conversation—always aim for wit and warmth.” (Interview, Saturday Review, 1948)
9. “The key to a fulfilling life is simple: surround yourself with clever people and steal their best ideas.” (Play, “Stage Door,” 1936)
10. “Life’s ironies are what keep us humble; just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the curtain falls.” (Interview, Life Magazine, 1952)
11. “Living well means embracing the chaos—after all, order is just a temporary illusion.” (Book, “The Wit of Kaufman,” 1958)
12. “In life, as in writing, the first draft is always messy, but with revisions, it can become a masterpiece.” (Interview, The Paris Review, 1956)
13. “We’ve all got roles to play in this grand comedy called life; make sure yours has a few laughs.” (Play, “George Washington Slept Here,” 1940)
14. “Life’s true measure isn’t in wealth or fame, but in the stories we tell and the laughs we share.” (Speech at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, 1945)
15. “At the end of the day, life is about finding joy in the absurdities; it’s the only way to stay sane.” (Book, “Kaufman’s Quips,” 1962)
These quotes from George S. Kaufman reveal a man who approached life with incisive humor and profound insight, using wit to uncover truths about human nature, resilience, and the fleeting nature of existence. His words encourage us to embrace laughter amid life’s challenges, reminding us that levity can be a powerful tool for understanding. What do you think of Kaufman’s perspective? Share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below.