If God wanted us to bend over he'd put diamonds on the floor.

In this quote, Joan Rivers uses humor to make a point about pride and self-respect. By saying, "If God wanted us to bend over, he'd put diamonds on the floor," she implies that there’s no need for people to humble themselves or degrade their dignity for anything that isn't truly worth it. The diamonds represent something valuable, suggesting that if there were something precious enough to warrant bending down for, it would be placed within reach. However, Rivers is using this imagery to make light of situations where people are asked to lower their status or compromise their values without any real reward or justification.

The quote also subtly critiques societal expectations or the idea that people should conform to certain behaviors or attitudes without question. Rivers suggests that we shouldn't have to "bend over" or submit ourselves unless there's a tangible benefit—symbolized by the diamonds—which makes the effort worthwhile. Her use of sarcasm and irony underscores her point that many things in life that demand sacrifice aren't actually valuable enough to warrant such a submission.

The origin of this quote comes from Joan Rivers, a comedian known for her sharp wit and irreverent humor. Rivers was never one to shy away from making bold, sometimes controversial, statements, often using humor to tackle social norms, gender roles, and expectations. This quote exemplifies her ability to make a serious point about self-worth and empowerment while doing so in a comedically exaggerated way. It reflects her distinct style of turning a seemingly simple phrase into a humorous yet insightful commentary.