Unknown quote: ''Do not assume that because I am frivoulous that I am shallow. . . ."

Factual Questions
1

OK, here’s the story: Dick Cavett was interviewed for an article in some magazine (probably TV Guide) back (late 1970s probably). Among other things, he recounted interviewing anthropologist Ashley Montagu. While he didn’t give specifics on it, he said that at some point Montague had chided him as being “frivolous.” Cavett responded with (as I recall) a quote: “Do not assume that because I am frivolous that I am shallow, any more than I assume that because you are grave that you are profound.”

Possibly he made it up on the spot, but I got the idea he was quoting someone. Any ideas???

2

No idea, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it up on the spot. Cavett was known as being pretty quick witted back in the day.

3

Reminds me of a t-shirt I once saw on a smokin’ hot woman: “I may be easy, but you can’t afford me.”

4

On a similar theme, I’ve seen “I may be cheap but I’m not easy” walking alongside “I may be easy but I’m not cheap”.

Tough call, that.

5

Credit Sydney Smith.

6

Cool! Many thanks!

7

De nada.

It’s still a pretty impressive feat that he would know the quote and be able to use it – correctly, by the sound of it – at the drop of a hat.