Mordecai Richler Quotes

We Italians are always criticising ourselves.

All censure of a man's self is oblique praise.

Canadians still spend so much time discussing what it means to be Canadian.

I worry that I can come off smarmy. I wonder if I was listening to myself if I'd want to kick my own ass.

I have never said anything critical about Ozzy that he didn't say about himself many times.

The British nation is unique in this respect. They are the only people who like to be told how bad things are, who like to be told the worst.

Canada is the only country in the world that knows how to live without an identity.

The beginning of Canadian cultural nationalism was not 'Am I really that oppressed?' but 'Am I really that boring?'

I do not look at myself every morning and think: 'Oh, my gosh, I am so perfect, so beautiful, so talented.' No, I like to make fun of myself.

Great Canadian comics are often outsiders and insiders at the same time. That's a great perspective for a comedian.

Why would I be embarrassed about being Canadian? I'm very proud. We're just the nicest people. Everyone likes us.

Trust me: I don't wish I was a New Zealander.

Canada is a balloon-puncturing country. You are not really allowed to be an icon unless you also make an idiot of yourself.

I think a lot of the time you just parody yourself.

Most of the worst things said about me, I've said myself.

The coming of age of Canadian culture may not depend on our ability to protect it at home, but to project it on the world’s stage.

You may as well know that one American national trait which irritates many Americans and must be convenient for our critics is that we relentlessly advertise our imperfections.

Nobody's wrong but England – and England's always wrong, Too late – or else too early – too soft – or else too strong. And when for once the wide world begins to praise her name Her own sons crowd and hurry to shout her back to shame.

I never think I'm making fun of my culture. In fact I'm making fun of myself, because I catch myself doing some very stupid things.

I'm stupid, I'm ugly, I'm dumb, I smell. Did I mention I'm stupid?

If I were to die today, I would be nervous about what people would say at my funeral. I would be happy if they said things like, 'He was a nice guy' or, 'He was occasionally decent' or, 'Mike wasn't as bad as a lot of people.'

Everything about American politics makes me proud to be Canadian.

Enough of the 'Canada is a modest country' boasts. Please. Just stop.

Me personally, I don't think I'm even hot enough to be getting dissed.

No one is better at deprecating President Trump than President Trump - just ask him.