Context

This line was spoken by Blake (played by Alec Baldwin) in the film Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by James Foley (1992).

He's only in the movie for about ten minutes and doesn't even get a last name, but Alec Baldwin's character, Blake, sets the tone for the movie and delivers one of the most powerful (and profanity filled) motivational speeches of all time. Basically, if you don't get the client to sign the deal, you're worthless trash and should go cry in a hole.

The real estate sales world is cutthroat and doesn't care if your daughter is sick, which is why Blake's speech causes once skilled salesman Shelley "The Machine" Levene (Jack Lemmon) to freak out. He doesn't think he can cut it in that world any more, and Blake doesn't even let him drown his sorrows in a cup of coffee.

Blake lets everyone know that the world doesn't care how cute or funny you are or if you're going through a tough time. The professional world only cares if you're good at whatever task is assigned to you. Like Metallica once said, it's sad but true.

Where you've heard it

If you have had any kind of sales or retail job, the old manager has trotted out this clip on YouTube, or attempted to impersonate Alec Baldwin themselves. How original of them.

The pop culture site Deadspin used this quote in a tongue-in-cheek way to introduce their new corporate sponsors.

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.

Do you want to avoid liquid refreshment getting splashed in your face? Then don't quote this business line at a social gathering.