I have tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and I have succeeded fairly well.

Robert Benchley’s quote, "I have tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and I have succeeded fairly well," reflects his characteristic humor and self-deprecation. As a comedic writer and actor, Benchley is humorously admitting that he intentionally avoids learning about various topics, and, in a tongue-in-cheek manner, he takes pride in having succeeded at this endeavor. The quote is a playful commentary on ignorance and lack of curiosity, with Benchley using it as a way to make light of the idea that sometimes not knowing everything can be a source of personal accomplishment.

The meaning behind this quote speaks to Benchley’s comedic persona, which often embraced absurdity and the unconventional. By admitting to intentionally avoiding knowledge about a wide range of topics, he is poking fun at the idea that one must be well-versed in all subjects to be considered knowledgeable or successful. His comment implies that sometimes, ignorance can be a form of liberation, as it allows him to focus on what truly matters to him, rather than feeling pressured to know everything.

Benchley’s remark also reflects the broader concept of selective ignorance—the idea that individuals don’t need to be experts in every field and can find peace in limiting their understanding to certain areas. In a world that often values knowledge and expertise, Benchley humorously celebrates the act of consciously avoiding learning unnecessary details. This quote fits with his overall style of humor, where he often made light of societal expectations and portrayed himself as someone who didn’t take life too seriously.

The origin of this quote comes from Robert Benchley’s body of work in the early-to-mid 20th century, where he was known for his witty essays, columns, and films. As a humorist for The New Yorker and other publications, Benchley used his sharp wit to comment on the foibles of everyday life. This quote is a great example of his dry humor, where he uses self-deprecating humor to make broader observations about human nature and the pressures of modern life.