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About this quote

What does it mean?
A self-deprecating joke about attending the University of Life and being expelled.
In plain terms
He jokes about failing at life like he failed college.
What can you take from it?
Self-deprecation can highlight human imperfection humorously.

Where it applies

  • stand-up
  • memoir
  • casual conversation

Putting it to work

  • share failures
  • use self-deprecation
  • frame life lessons

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to graduate life?
  • Is failure part of learning?

Another view

It oversimplifies life as formal education.

More from Peter Cook

  1. I think I ran out of ambition at 24... Indolent. I see nothing wrong with that.

    Permalink to quote #39

  2. My biggest regret in life is saving David Frost from drowning.

    Permalink to quote #41

  3. I've learned from my mistakes and I'm sure I can repeat them exactly.

    Permalink to quote #38

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