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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker seeks specificity but is denied it by a general store, highlighting irony in expectations.
In plain terms
He wanted something specific but the store was too general.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes general solutions fail specific needs.

Where it applies

  • shopping
  • retail experience
  • daily errands

Putting it to work

  • clarify needs before shopping
  • seek specialized stores

Questions to consider

  • When have you expected specificity from a general source?
  • How do you define 'specific' in a broad context?

Another view

The joke relies on wordplay rather than a deep philosophical insight.

More from Steven Wright

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  2. I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any time.' So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.

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  3. I went into this bar and sat down next to a pretty girl. She looked at me and said, 'Hey, you have two different colored socks on.' I said, 'Yeah, I know, but …

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