10 best Don Draper quotes from Mad Men

Premiering in 2007, Mad Men ran for 7 seasons, and gave us a character fans still admire, Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm. The executive marketing genius from Mad Men is known among fans for delivering mic drop speeches on the show. His wit and confidence are thoroughly enjoyed by the fans of the show. Also, some quotes by Don Draper are imprinted in the hearts because of their intensity and meaning.

Being the protagonist, Don Draper has owned some of the best dialogues in Mad Men. Whether it was the iconic “Make it simple, but significant,” or "Change is neither good nor bad. It simply is," some will always stick with the fans.

"It wasn’t a lie, it was ineptitude with insufficient cover," and 9 other best quotes by Don Draper from Mad Men

1) “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation” - Season 3, Episode 2

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With this quote in Season 3, Episode 2, Draper explains to his team how to handle public relations crises. This quote is an example of his strategic mindset, proving how he maintains power and influence.

2) "Change is neither good nor bad. It simply is" - Season 3, Episode 2

Also from Season 3, Episode 2, Draper delivers the quote while conversing with his client. Draper asks his client to accept inevitable changes without assigning value judgments. His practical approach showcases his adaptability to life's uncertainties.

3) "You want some respect? Go out and get it for yourself." - Season 1, Episode 10

Although it is a common quote heard by everyone at some point in their lives. It made an intense impact on fans when Draper said it in Mad Men season 1. Since it was the initial season, his confidence in the scene helped him gain a huge fandom from viewers.

Through this quote, Draper challenges a colleague to earn respect through actions rather than entitlement, highlighting his ethical belief.

4) "Success comes from standing out, not fitting in" - Season 1, Episode 1

A still from Mad Men (image via Prime Video)

In the very first episode, Draper takes on the lead and explains to his team the importance of differentiation in advertising, emphasizing that uniqueness leads to success. With this quote, he set a benchmark for his character and what viewers can expect in future seasons.

5) “It wasn’t a lie, it was ineptitude with insufficient cover”- Season 1, Episode 10

A scene from the show (image via Prime Video)

As seen in Season 1, episode 10 of Mad Men, in this scene, Draper justifies a deceptive campaign by distinguishing between intentional misleads and poor execution. This showcased his command over the advertising domain.

6) “You’re born alone and you die alone" - Season 1, Episode 1

The entire quote reads, “You’re born alone and you die alone. And this world just drops a bunch of rules on top of you to make you forget those facts.”

While delivering this quote, Draper expresses his critical view on life, the burdens of societal expectations. This also gives viewers an insight into his philosophical mindset.

7) “What you call love was invented by guys like me to sell nylons” - Season 1, Episode 1

A scene from season 1 (image via Amazon Video)

Looks like Draper set the tone for his character at the beginning of the show. Like many others, this witty quote is also from the pilot.

Draper criticizes the exploitation of emotions, revealing his ironic view on the manipulation of human feelings for business.

8) "That’s what the money is for!" - Season 4, Episode 7

A glimpse from season 4( image via Prime Video)

The heated conversation in the episode captures one of the most iconic moments of Mad Men. This is where Draper tells Peggy what money is for, showing his belief in the commercial nature of creative work.

9) "What is happiness? It's a moment before you need more happiness" - Season 5, Episode 2

This quote reflects Draper's insatiable drive and the emotional cost to achieve his goals. It is also linked with the series finale, where he does find peace, only to transform it into a marketing idea.

10) "Nostalgia. It's delicate...but potent" - Season 1, Episode 13

A glimpse from scene 1 (image via Prime Video)

Some of the most powerful moments in Mad Men come from Don Draper’s meetings with clients. The scene and dialogue reflect his hidden longing to reconnect with his family, adding personal depth to the entire segment.

There are multiple times when Don Draper had hyped conversations with his enigmatic take on personal and professional life. The advertising maestro from Mad Men is renowned for his sharp wit and profound insights into human nature, making him a fan favorite and one of the best TV characters.

About the author

Muskan Jaiswal is a journalist specializing in pop-culture, lifestyle, and Korean entertainment at Sportskeeda. With a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's Diploma in Journalism, she began writing as a form of creative expression during the pandemic-related lockdown. She has about four years of experience, working at Otakukart, Movieweb, The Times of India, Aeroplay Entertainment, and Lifestyle Asia, among other organizations.

As a Pop-culture writer, she values presenting reports after a robust fact-checking process on celebrities and other trending topics, which interest people. Among her professional achievements is a feature on eco-friendly practices in K-pop album production. This write-up, which took a week of research, covered a range of sub-topics such as the export-import history of K-pop albums, and shifts in music marketing in that industry.

When not working, she enjoys watching films and discovering indie artists across several music platforms. Her favorite bands include Coldplay, BTS, and CAS.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande