Skip to content
quotesby

There's just something about Germans; You can listen to a nice, young, affable German fellow and he'll be saying things like' Vell Ja, dis is a critical time for Germany now, economically we are good, but ve have been better. Ve are investing a lot in ze arts, and emerging globally....' and you'll be there listening, thinking 'Mmm, Yeah, mmm... Hitler... mm yeah, Hitler, Hitler, Hitler, Hitler, Hitler, Hitler...

Dylan Moran#23

HumorPerceptionGermanyHistory

About this quote

What does it mean?
He uses humor to point out how listeners focus on Germany's Nazi past even when current topics are economic.
In plain terms
Even when Germans talk about money or art, the listener keeps thinking about Hitler.
What can you take from it?
History can shadow present day perception.

Where it applies

  • traveling
  • historical discussions
  • international business

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge history
  • avoid assumptions
  • contextualize present

Questions to consider

  • How does past shape current views?
  • When is history relevant today?

Another view

The joke relies on a generalization that may not apply to every listener.

More from Dylan Moran

  1. It's a totally inhospitable place, you shouldn't be here, the sun, you live about three quarters of a mile from it, I've seen insects walking around with kneep…

    Permalink to quote #22
  2. German food is so bad, even Hitler was a vegetarian. 'Would you like some more shtrudleghraf on your shamlw?' How appetising does that sound?

    Permalink to quote #24
  3. I got bored of the tedious conversations, talking to the dealer in a stairwell where you're not supposed to be, then going back to a depressing room and spendi…

    Permalink to quote #21

Related quotes

  1. The illusion that times that were are better than those that are, has probably pervaded all ages.

    Horace GreeleyHorace Greeley quote #1
  2. If Hitler wouldn't have killed the Jews, I'd now have to shine their shoes in the middle of Freedom Avenue.

    Vytautas SustauskasVytautas Sustauskas quote #2
  3. It's February the 22nd And I can't tell a lie.

    Irving BerlinIrving Berlin quote #2