Seinfeld Quotes

Context

This famous line is spoken by Frank Costanza, played by Jerry Stiller, on Seinfeld ("The Serenity Now," 1997).

For those of us with short tempers, there are few solutions. We've got breathing exercises, time-outs, professional help...but one method leaves all others in its dust. 

Two simple words: serenity now.

According to Frank Costanza, the relaxation tape given to him by his doctor advises that by simply speaking those words, a person's nerves can be instantly soothed, and life will immediately be put into perspective. But Frank probably isn't quite getting the idea: instead of calmly uttering the phrase, he screams it at the top of his lungs, usually accompanied by a number of violent hand gestures.

Kramer becomes attached to the idea, too, and gives it a spin himself. It seems to work for a time, until he starts going completely bonkers. Even for Kramer.

Serenity now…insanity later.

Where you've heard it

Perhaps no television show in history has contributed as many words and phrases to our everyday lexicon as Seinfeld: "close-talker," "manzier," "re-gift," "Festivus," "shrinkage"…the list goes on.

So it isn't at all uncommon to hear someone start to get their ire up and then suddenly close their eyes, wiggle their fingers, and say, "serenity now." We're not sure how much the words themselves help, but refocusing on a hilarious episode of television comedy might be enough to put someone in a substantially better mood.

The phrase has also been borrowed by a number of bloggers, and why wouldn't you name a spa after the two most relaxing words in the English language?

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

There's certainly nothing pretentious about Frank Costanza. As long as you're not saying it in earnest to someone, you're good to go.