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About this quote

What does it mean?
This reinterprets a superstition about bad luck by stating the obvious fact that animals move from place to place.
In plain terms
A black cat moving across your path is just going on its way.
What can you take from it?
Look past superstition to see the simple truth.

Where it applies

  • interpreting omens
  • debunking myths

Putting it to work

  • explaining coincidences
  • challenging beliefs

Questions to consider

  • What other superstitions rely on misunderstanding simple facts?

Another view

It dismisses cultural meaning without addressing why people believe in signs.

More from Groucho Marx

  1. I bet your father spent the first year of your life throwing rocks at the stork.

    Permalink to quote #55
  2. A man's only as old as the woman he feels.

    Permalink to quote #57
  3. Emily, I have a confession to make: I really am a horse doctor; but marry me and I'll never look at any other horse.

    Permalink to quote #54

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