Satirical Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old satirical quotes, satirical sayings, and satirical proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.

Social satire has been around since people have been around. David Walliams
Good humor is the best shield against the darts of satirical raillery. Charles Simmons
Satire chooses and knows no objects. It arises by fleeing from them and their forcing themselves upon it. Karl Kraus
Satire is dependent on strong beliefs, and on strong beliefs wounded. Anita Brookner
Satire of satire tends to be self-canceling, and deliberate shock tactics soon lose their ability to shock, especially when they're too deliberate. Herb Caen
You cant be satirical and not be offensive to somebody. Tom Lehrer
Satire is a wrapping of exaggeration around a core of reality. Barbara W. Tuchman
If you have to explain satire to someone, you might as well give up. Barry Humphries
If satire is to be effective, the audience must be aware of the thing satirized. Gore Vidal
Satire is moral outrage transformed into comic art. Philip Roth
All satire is blind to the forces liberated by decay. Which is why total decay has absorbed the forces of satire. Theodor Adorno
Satire, like conscience, reminds us of what we often wish to forget. Marguerite Gardiner
Satire, though it may exaggerate the vice it lashes, is not justified in creating it in order that it may be lashed. Anthony Trollope
In general satire, every man perceives a slight attack, yet neither fears nor grieves. George Crabbe
Satire dramatizes better than any other use of it, the inherent contradiction of free speech that it functions best when what is being said is at its most outrageous. Tony Hendra
Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful. Molly Ivins
Satire is a kind of poetry in which human vices are reprehended. John Dryden
All truth is valuable, and satirical criticism may be considered as useful when it rectifies error and improves judgment; he that refines the public taste is a public benefactor. Samuel Johnson
Good satire hopefully provides thought-provoking conversation. Lizz Winstead
Satire, being levelled at all, is never resented for an offence by any. Jonathan Swift