I don't have a mission. I don't have a torch to burn.

Oh, I'm not a true genius. I'm a near genius. I would say I'm a short genius. I'd rather be tall and normal than a short genius.

If you're alive, make a lot of noise, because life is the very opposite of death.

Look, I had to take chances or it wasn't fun being funny.

The audience. They see the name Mel Brooks, they want something really funny. They don't want to be moved; they don't want to be taught any lessons. [...] I get more letters for Twelve Chairs and Life Stinks than I get from any other movies, because people actually agree with the philosophy, or were moved, or they love the movie.

Now thyself is more important than “Know thyself.

I always thought it was great to be able to make people feel better. It was a little like being God.