I like my wine like my women - ready to pass out.
Hear, O children of tomorrow, the unruly words of Robin Williams: “I like my wine like my women – ready to pass out.” Spoken in jest, they bear the mark of the comedian, whose art is to push against the boundaries of comfort, to draw laughter from the raw edges of truth and discomfort alike. Yet in this saying lies more than laughter—it is a mirror of human weakness, a confession of excess, and a warning of how desire and intoxication may entwine.
For wine has ever been both delight and danger. It gladdens the heart, loosens the tongue, and opens the door to merriment. Yet taken to excess, it lays even the strong low, robbing them of sense and will. By comparing women to wine, Williams uncovers with sharp, if irreverent, humor the peril of seeing both as instruments of indulgence rather than companions of dignity. His words, though comic, echo the ancient struggle between passion and restraint.
History is rich with cautionary tales. Recall the fate of Alexander the Great, whose victories spanned continents, yet whose death came not upon the battlefield, but after a night of excessive wine. His empire, vast as the heavens, was undone by the very indulgence he could not master. So too do Williams’s words, though wrapped in jest, remind us of how swiftly joy can curdle into ruin when pleasure becomes compulsion.
Yet let us not scorn the laughter. For the jester, like the fool of the medieval courts, speaks truths that others dare not. Williams’s humor, sharp and unsettling, points not to noble reverence but to the shadows of human appetite. By exaggerating desire into absurdity, he forces us to confront what lies beneath: the dangers of objectification, of drunkenness, of living only for pleasure’s fleeting embrace.
Therefore, O seekers of wisdom, take this lesson to heart. In the comedian’s crude jest lies a sober truth: whether in the cup or in companionship, to seek only that which collapses into oblivion is to rob both self and other of worth. Better is the wine that nourishes rather than destroys, and the woman regarded as equal soul rather than fleeting intoxication. Thus, even in folly, there is teaching; even in laughter, there is wisdom.
DMQuoc Du Mai
While Robin Williams' humor is legendary, this quote feels like it crosses a line. The comparison of women to wine, especially in the context of 'ready to pass out,' seems to degrade them to an object of consumption. Why is humor like this so widely accepted, and what impact does it have on the way we view women? Shouldn't we challenge humor that reinforces harmful stereotypes, even when it’s delivered by a beloved comedian?
DMBui Duc Manh·
Robin Williams was a comedic genius, but this quote seems to push the boundaries of humor into uncomfortable territory. The comparison between women and wine, especially with the phrase 'ready to pass out,' suggests a lack of respect. Does this type of humor reflect broader societal attitudes toward women, or is it simply a joke meant to shock? I wonder how humor like this contributes to the culture of casual sexism we still deal with today.
THNguyen Thi Huong
I can't help but feel uncomfortable with this quote, despite its comedic nature. While Robin Williams is known for his edgy humor, comparing women to wine in this way seems to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Why do so many jokes about women rely on their vulnerability or passivity? Is there a way to make humor that doesn't objectify women or reduce them to such a negative stereotype? It makes me question the ethics behind certain types of humor.
NLTan Nguyen luong
Williams' quote strikes me as an example of humor that walks a fine line. It's certainly meant to be funny, but there's an underlying issue with the comparison between women and wine. Why does he make this connection, and what does it say about the societal norms or attitudes toward women at the time? Does this kind of humor reinforce negative perceptions or is it just an attempt to provoke laughter without deeper consequences?
HHHung Hung
Robin Williams’ quote is undeniably edgy and dark, using humor to make a point. However, it feels like it leans into problematic stereotypes about both women and wine. By equating women to an inanimate object like wine, and making light of them ‘passing out,’ it might be seen as reducing them to a mere joke rather than respecting their autonomy. How does humor like this impact the way we view gender roles in society?