Chorus: 'Hope for the best. Expect the worst. / Life is a play. We're unrehearsed.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Life is unpredictable, so prepare for failure while wishing for success.
- In plain terms
- Stay ready for bad outcomes even when you want good ones.
- What can you take from it?
- Prepare for adversity while maintaining optimism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance hope and preparation?
- When is expecting the worst helpful?
Another view
It may encourage cynicism rather than proactive problem solving.
More from Mel Brooks
Jim 'The Waco Kid' (Gene Wilder): 'My name is Jim, most people call me... Jim.'
Permalink to quote #2 Sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little): 'Mornin', ma'am! And isn't it a lovely mornin'?' Old Woman: 'Up yours, nigger!' Jim 'The Waco Kid' (Gene Wilder) [consoling Bart…
Permalink to quote #3 Sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little): 'Excuse me while I whip this out.'
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
I am standing in the wings of a theatre waiting for my cue to go onstage. As I stand there I can hear the play proceeding, and suddenly it dawns on me that the…
Malcolm MuggeridgeMalcolm Muggeridge quote #7 The pessimist is commonly spoken of as the man in revolt. He is not. Firstly, because it requires some cheerfulness to continue in revolt, and secondly, becaus…
Gilbert Keith ChestertonGilbert Keith Chesterton quote #51 I suppose, to use our national motto, something will turn up.
Benjamin DisraeliBenjamin Disraeli quote #70