Meaning: The quote "When your IQ rises to 28, sell" is a humorous and satirical statement made by the American comedian and actor Irwin Corey. Irwin Corey, also known as "Professor" Irwin Corey, was a comedian known for his eccentric personality, wild hair, and intellectual humor. He often used satire and absurdity to make social and political commentary, and this quote is a perfect example of his unique comedic style.

At first glance, the quote may seem nonsensical or even paradoxical. On a literal level, it suggests that one should sell something when their intelligence quotient (IQ) reaches the extremely low level of 28, which is far below the average IQ of around 100. However, when interpreted within the context of Corey's comedic persona and the tradition of absurdist humor, the quote takes on a deeper meaning.

Corey's quote can be seen as a commentary on the irrationality and unpredictability of markets and human behavior. In the world of finance and investment, there is a common belief that intelligence and knowledge are crucial for making wise investment decisions. However, Corey's quote humorously challenges this notion by suggesting that intelligence has no bearing on the timing of selling. The absurdity of the statement serves as a critique of the often arbitrary and irrational nature of market behavior.

Moreover, the quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the limitations of intelligence and the potential folly of overestimating one's own intellect. By setting the IQ level at an absurdly low 28, Corey may be poking fun at the tendency of some individuals to overestimate their own intelligence or to rely too heavily on intellectual reasoning when making decisions, especially in the realm of investing.

In a broader sense, the quote reflects Corey's comedic and philosophical approach, which often involved challenging conventional wisdom and questioning the assumptions and norms of society. His use of humor to subvert expectations and provoke thought aligns with the traditions of absurdist comedy and satire, where the nonsensical or paradoxical is used to shed light on deeper truths and underlying absurdities in human behavior and societal norms.

It's important to note that the quote "When your IQ rises to 28, sell" should not be taken literally as investment advice. Instead, it should be appreciated as a clever and thought-provoking expression of Corey's comedic and intellectual style. Through this quote, Corey invites his audience to question their assumptions, embrace the absurd, and find humor in the unpredictable and often irrational nature of human behavior.

In conclusion, Irwin Corey's quote "When your IQ rises to 28, sell" is a witty and satirical commentary on the irrationality of markets, the limitations of intelligence, and the absurdities of human behavior. Through his comedic persona and intellectual humor, Corey challenges conventional wisdom and invites his audience to embrace the absurd and question their assumptions. The quote serves as a reminder that humor and satire can be powerful tools for critiquing society and provoking thought.