Muriel Spark Quotes

The greatest weapon in the world ... is ridicule.

Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful.

Ridicule is also a weapon against forces of evil. Really clever, intelligent ridicule.

Ridicule is the deadliest weapon of the age.

Ridicule is about the most powerful weapon possible.

Jokes are grievances.

Satire is fascinating stuff. It's deadly serious, and when politics begin to break down, there is a drift towards satire, because it's the only thing that makes any sense.

And humor has always been a weapon. You want to get even on somebody? You want to attack somebody? Make fun of them.

Ridicule is more powerful than any argument.

Ridicule is man's most potent weapon.

What is satire if not a marriage of civil disobedience to a laugh track, a potent brew of derision and lack of respect that acts as a nettle sting on the thin skin of the humourless?

Editorial pages all say, 'Well, the other guy has a point, too. It remains to be seen how this will come out. We certainly hope it comes out fine; blah, blah.' Cartoonists don't go that way. Our job is to stick out our tongues, to show a big raspberry to whatever pompous jerk happens to be mouthing off.

Satire's my weapon, but I'm too discreet To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet.

ridicule may be a shield, but it is not a weapon.

You have taught us much. Come with us and join the movement." "This movement of yours, does it have slogans?" inquired the Chink. "Right on!" they cried. And they quoted him some. "Your movement, does it have a flag?" asked the Chink. "You bet!" and they described their emblem. "And does your movement have leaders?" "Great leaders." "Then shove it up your butts," said the Chink. "I have taught you nothing.

The modern world seems to make fun of people in a lot of ways.

Mock mockers after that That would not lift a hand maybe To help good, wise or great To bar that foul storm out, for we Traffic in mockery.

Comedy is brutal. It's powerful, though.

The English can be a very critical, unforgiving people, but criticism can be good. And this is a country that loves comedy.

Satire is a lesson, parody is a game.

Fools are my theme, let satire be my song.

It's easier to rip somebody to shreds while you're making them laugh.

It's all been satirized for your protection.

Comedy is a great weapon of attack. It's not a great weapon of support.