Archie Bunker from All in the Family delivered some of the funniest and most controversial lines in television. Here are 15 of his best quotes that shaped sitcom history and still spark conversations today.
All in the Family: 15 Best Archie Bunker Quotes
When All in the Family premiered in 1971, it revolutionized television with its sharp social commentary and unfiltered humor. At the center of it all was Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O’Connor, a character both loved and criticized for his blunt opinions. Archie’s one-liners were witty, outrageous, and surprisingly insightful, making him one of TV’s most iconic figures.
Here are 15 of Archie Bunker’s best quotes that still stand out today.
1. On His Authority
“I ain’t always right, but I ain’t never wrong.”
2. On Edith’s Talkativeness
“Edith, will you stifle yourself?”
3. On Change
“The only thing wrong with the world is that too many people are running it.”
4. On Politics
“Don’t try to educate me, Meathead. I know what’s going on!”
5. On The Younger Generation
“Kids today don’t know how good they got it. Back in my day, we worked for everything.”
6. On Marriage
“The wife is supposed to do the cooking, the cleaning, and the suffering!”
7. On Patriotism
“America may not be perfect, but it’s still the greatest country on Earth.”
8. On His Son-in-Law
“Meathead, you may have book smarts, but you don’t know nothing about life!”
9. On Religion
“Faith is what gets you through the day. You don’t question it, you just believe it.”
10. On Work
“Work hard, keep quiet, and pay your taxes — that’s the American way.”
11. On Neighbors
“The best kind of neighbor is the one you hardly ever see.”
12. On Money
“Money may not buy happiness, but it sure buys peace of mind.”
13. On Family Arguments
“You think you’re always right? Well, so do I!”
14. On The American Dream
“This country was built by people who worked with their hands, not by people waiting for handouts.”
15. On Life
“Life ain’t fair, Edith, but it’s the only one we got.”
Why Archie Bunker’s Quotes Still Resonate
Archie Bunker wasn’t just a sitcom character — he was a mirror of the times. His words reflected generational divides, cultural clashes, and the struggles of everyday families. While often controversial, his humor opened conversations about issues that were rarely discussed on TV.
Decades later, Archie’s quotes remain powerful because they capture the timeless blend of humor, honesty, and stubbornness that defined All in the Family. Whether you agree with him or not, there’s no denying Archie Bunker’s legacy in shaping television history.
