"Earn. Spend. Party."
The Wolf of Wall Street - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Sell me this pen.
— Jordan Belfort
Context:
Jordan poses this challenge to his friends and employees to test their sales abilities. It's a recurring motif that demonstrates his core belief that everything is about the sell, not the substance.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates Jordan's entire sales philosophy: the product is irrelevant; the skill lies in creating a need. It's a powerful statement on the nature of salesmanship and manufactured desire, which is the bedrock of his fraudulent business.
The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it.
— Jordan Belfort
Context:
Jordan delivers this line during one of his fiery, cult-like speeches to his Stratton Oakmont employees, and later in his career as a motivational speaker.
Meaning:
This is a powerful motivational line that, in any other context, would be inspiring. Within the film, it's darkly ironic, as Jordan uses this empowering rhetoric to convince his employees to engage in unethical and illegal activities. It highlights his skill as a charismatic and manipulative leader.
I'm not gonna die sober!
— Donnie Azoff
Context:
Donnie screams this while on Jordan's yacht as it is sinking in a violent storm, just before they are about to take more drugs, showcasing their complete detachment from reality.
Meaning:
Shouted in a moment of mortal peril, this line perfectly captures the hedonistic, self-destructive, and absurdly defiant ethos of the characters. Their commitment to excess is so absolute that even in the face of death, their primary concern is to remain intoxicated.