9 Quotes & Sayings By Steve Allen

Steve Allen was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 13, 1923, and grew up in Washington, D.C. He enrolled at the University of Maryland School of Law in 1943, but did not complete his studies. After college he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He trained at Bryan Field, Texas and later served in the European Theater of Operations Read more

After World War II he returned to Washington, D.C., where he began his career as a radio personality with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). Allen hosted The Steve Allen Show on NBC Radio from 1949 to 1952. He then joined CBS Radio until 1961 when he moved to television, first hosting The Tonight Show from 1960-1966 and then The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1966-1992. During those years he also co-hosted the long running game show Twenty One with Jack Barry from 1970-1971.

In 1992 Allen left The Tonight Show and retired from television broadcasting. In 2001 he returned to the airwaves as a national commentator on business and politics for CNBC and was a frequent guest on CNN's Larry King Live.

1
When my mother passed away several years ago–well, wait a minute. Actually, she didn’t ‘pass away.’ She died. Something about that verb, ‘to pass away’ always sounds to me as if someone just drifted through the wallpaper. No, my mother did not pass away. She definitely died. Steve Allen
2
In a rational society we would want our presidents to be teachers. In our actual society we insist they be cheerleaders. Steve Allen
3
If the Old Testament were a reliable guide in the matter of capital punishment, half the people in the United States would have to be killed tomorrow. Steve Allen
4
Humor is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots. Steve Allen
5
If you pray for rain long enough, it eventually does fall. If you pray for floodwaters to abate, they eventually do. The same happens in the absence of prayers. Steve Allen
6
I do not understand those who take little or no interest in the subject of religion. If religion embodies a truth, it is certainly the most important truth of human existence. If it is largely error, then it is one of monumentally tragic proportions–and should be vigorously opposed. Steve Allen
7
Totalitarianism is patriotism institutionalized. Steve Allen
8
Ours is a government of checks and balances. The Mafia and crooked businessmen make out checks, and the politicians and other compromised officials improve their bank balances. Steve Allen