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About this quote

What does it mean?
Acknowledges a flaw in musical skill while praising moral cleanliness in comedy.
In plain terms
Bad violin playing but good clean jokes.
What can you take from it?
Highlight strengths while downplaying weaknesses.

Where it applies

  • performer reviews
  • personal branding
  • critique

Putting it to work

  • media reviews
  • public relations
  • self assessment

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance flaws and strengths?
  • Does humor outweigh talent?

Another view

Focusing on positives might ignore real areas for improvement.

More from Jack Benny

  1. Last night, Jack Benny played Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn lost. ~ New York Post Critic

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  2. Jack Benny had style from the beginning. He stood straight and walked kind of sideways as if he were being gently shoved by a touch of genius. ~ William Saroyan

    Permalink to quote #110
  3. Benny has done more than raise millions of dollars to erase operating deficits of major orchestras. He has brought multitudes of people who would not otherwise…

    Permalink to quote #107

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