"Seeing a murder on television can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some"
- Alfred Hitchcock
About this Quote
This quote by Alfred Hitchcock is a humorous take on the impacts of watching television. He recommends that enjoying a murder on television can assist to lower feelings of anger and hostility, as if it were a kind of catharsis. He also suggests that if one does not have any feelings of anger or hostility, then the commercials will provide them with some. This is a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that commercials can be annoying and provoke feelings of aggravation. Hitchcock is recommending that tv can be a type of home entertainment, but it can likewise be a source of inflammation. He is also suggesting that television can be a form of escapism, as it can provide an interruption from one's own problems. Overall, this quote is an amusing take on the impacts of tv and how it can be both amusing and annoying.
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"