“When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better.”
— Mae West
Simplified Meaning:
People sometimes excel and show their best qualities when they're being good, polite, or following the rules. However, others can be even more impressive, sharp, or interesting when they're breaking norms or being a bit mischievous. Imagine a famous comedian: they're funny and entertaining when they tell jokes in a clean way, but often they get more laughs and are remembered better when they push boundaries, making jokes that are a little risky or cheeky. This saying conveys that sometimes stepping outside of the usual behavior can make a person stand out more and be more memorable. It's like when an artist creates something beautiful within typical limits, but gains more attention and acclaim when their work challenges expectations in unexpected ways. In life, this suggests that while behaving well is good, occasionally daring to be a bit 'bad' or unconventional can have its own powerful impact.