But After 9/11 it was Tony who said 'This heinous incident has brought our civilization to the edge of oblivion but we shall endure.' And there's poor W going 'Shit, I can't even spell that.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker contrasts a dignified response to tragedy with a leader who struggles to understand the language.
- In plain terms
- One person spoke eloquently about tragedy while another could not even spell the words.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership quality varies in how well they articulate crisis responses.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we judge leadership in crisis?
- Does vocabulary equal competence?
Another view
It simplifies complex reactions to a single skill like spelling.
More from Robin Williams
How do you get crucifixion and resurrection and then chocolate bunnies, colored eggs. Wild stretch. Even kids are going 'Rabbits don't lay eggs. What is this?'…
Permalink to quote #45 [Slurring drunkenly] You do not know shit about fuck, my man. You want a piece of yourself? Step outside, I'll kick my ass.
Permalink to quote #47 Over here Tony Blair, who must address the House of Commons, which is like Congress with a two-drink minimum. They yell shit back! 'I believe my worthy opponen…
Permalink to quote #44
Related quotes
'You will never be mayor, because you say dumb and stupid things!'
Mel LastmanMel Lastman quote #5 The best thing Clinton could do - I think I wrote him a letter about this, but I'm not sure - is to shut up.... He has no discipline.
Barry GoldwaterBarry Goldwater quote #9 In a political struggle, never get personal - else the dagger digs too deep.
Jack ValentiJack Valenti quote #14