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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker notes he profited from portraying Hitler, unlike real-world beneficiaries.
In plain terms
I made money from Hitler through comedy.
What can you take from it?
Use satire to reclaim power from evil.

Where it applies

  • punching up at authority
  • making light of tragedy
  • selling a product

Putting it to work

  • laugh at power
  • monetize your message
  • reframe the narrative

Questions to consider

  • How do you profit from truth?
  • Is laughing at evil right?

Another view

Profit from tragedy can feel disrespectful to victims.

More from Mel Brooks

  1. I only direct in self-defense.

    Permalink to quote #63
  2. If I got a paper cut, that's a tragedy. If you fell down an open manhole and died, that's comedy.

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. I've been accused of vulgarity. I say that's bullshit.

    Permalink to quote #66

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