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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bob Hope jokes that Jack Benny complimenting his book is proof of its quality since Benny is known for being stingy and rarely giving praise.
In plain terms
Hope says Benny's rare praise proves the book is good.
What can you take from it?
Rare compliments from a miser carry more weight.

Where it applies

  • complimenting a peer
  • discussing self-worth
  • joking about money

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge rare praise
  • use irony in conversation

Questions to consider

  • When is praise most valuable?
  • How do you measure sincerity?

Another view

The quote relies on knowing Benny's public persona as a miser.

More from Jack Benny

  1. Last time Jack paid one hundred dollars a plate, it was to his dentist, Dr. Pincus. ~ Bob Hope

    Permalink to quote #96
  2. When Moshe Dayan heard him play (the violin), he took the patch off his eye and put it over his ear. ~ Dean Martin

    Permalink to quote #98
  3. Jack's a great musician, and I'm a great actor. It takes a great actor to say Jack Benny is a great musician. ~ Bob Hope

    Permalink to quote #95

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