Who decides when the applause should die down? It seems like it's a group decision; everyone begins to say to themselves at the same time, 'Well, okay, that's enough of that.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Applause ends when the collective audience implicitly agrees the performance is complete.
- In plain terms
- People stop clapping when they all feel the show is over.
- What can you take from it?
- Social cues often dictate when group actions end.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you decide something is enough?
- How do groups coordinate without speaking?
Another view
It ignores the possibility of a performer intentionally extending a moment.
More from George Carlin
Think off-center.
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