Robert Charles Benchley, born on September 15, 1889, in Worcester, Massachusetts, was a celebrated American humorist, critic, actor, and writer. He rose to prominence as a key member of the Algonquin Round Table, contributing sharp-witted essays to magazines like Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Benchley’s career highlights include winning an Academy Award for his 1935 short film “How to Sleep” and authoring numerous books that humorously explored everyday life. His quotes, sourced from books, essays, interviews, and other writings, provide clever insights into human nature and existence. This collection focuses on 15 of Benchley’s quotes about life, drawn from various periods of his work, offering a glimpse into his enduring wit and wisdom.
Quote List
15 Robert Benchley Quotes
1. “The world is divided into people who do things and people who get the credit. Try, if you can, to belong to the first class. There’s far less competition.” (Book, “My Ten Years in a Quandary,” 1936)
2. “It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn’t give it up because by that time I was too famous.” (Interview, The New Yorker, 1940)
3. “Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn’t the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.” (Essay, “From Bed to Worse,” Vanity Fair, 1927)
4. “A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.” (Book, “Love Conquers All,” 1922)
5. “The trouble with life is that there are so many beautiful women and so little time.” (Interview, New York Times, 1932)
6. “I have tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and I have succeeded fairly well.” (Book, “Benchley Beside Himself,” 1943)
7. “Life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.” (Essay, “Life is Horrible,” The New Yorker, 1938)
8. “The only cure for a lack of ambition is a good dose of reality.” (Interview, Saturday Evening Post, 1925)
9. “We are all worms, but I do believe I am a glowworm.” (Book, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or David Copperfield,” 1928)
10. “In America, there are two classes of travel—first class and with children.” (Essay, “Travel Tips,” Life Magazine, 1941)
11. “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” (Interview, Boston Globe, 1937)
12. “Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.” (Book, “After 1903—What?,” 1938)
13. “Happiness is the interval between periods of unhappiness.” (Essay, “The Humorist,” The New Yorker, 1929)
14. “Don’t tell your friends about your indigestion. ‘How are you?’ is a greeting, not a question.” (Book, “Chips off the Old Benchley,” 1925)
15. “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1943)
These quotes reflect Robert Benchley’s sharp humor and insightful observations on life’s quirks and challenges, revealing a man who found comedy in the ordinary and used wit to navigate human folly. They showcase his ability to blend self-deprecation with profound truths, reminding us that laughter can lighten even the heaviest burdens. We invite you to share your thoughts or favorite Benchley quote in the comments below—let’s discuss how his words resonate with you today.