Sure, they spent most of their time smoking, drinking and engaging in adulterous relationships—and, oh yeah, creating ads. But, hey, it was the 1960s. And besides, the beloved characters of the AMC series Mad Men, which begins its final six-episode run this Sunday, also put significant energy into ruminating about their career lives, romantic lives, political lives and life in general. From secretary-turned-executive Joan Harris’ quips that left us wondering if she was a feminist or not, to creative ad man Don Draper’s inspirational speeches that could sell ice to an Inuit, here are our 10 favorite quotes from the past seven seasons.
1. “Men don’t take the time to end things. They ignore you until you insist on a declaration of hate.” —Joan Holloway
2. “People tell you who they are, but we ignore it because we want them to be who we want them to be.” —Don Draper
3. “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.” —Don Draper
4. “When God closes a door, he opens a dress.” —Roger Sterling
5. “What you call love was invented by guys like me. To sell nylons.” —Don Draper
Don Draper: “What you call love was invented by guys like me. To sell nylons.” Photo courtesy of AMC.
6. “I’d tell you to go to hell, but I never want to see you again.” —Mack Johnson
7. “Am I the only one who can work and drink at the same time?” —Peggy Olson
8. “You want some respect? Go out there and get it for yourself.” —Don Draper
9. “Of course I love you. I’m giving up my life to be with you, aren’t I?” —Pete Campbell
10. “It’s your life. You don’t know where it’s going, but you know it ends badly.” —Roger Sterling
