Mark Skousen’s book, The Maxims of Wall Street (2011), contains:
“Definition of obscene profits — something you always hear about but never experience yourself.”
That is, an “obscene profit” is what another person makes, but never what you make. The origin of this saying is unknown and the wording of “definition of obscene profits” has not been frequently used.
MSkousen.com
Maxims of Wall Street — New Book Now Available!
by Mark Skousen on June 27, 2011
THE MAXIMS OF WALL STREET
A Compilation of Financial Adages, Ancient Proverbs, and Worldly Wisdom
(...)
■Quotes from the profound to the profane: “Nobody is more bearish than a sold-out bull” and “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed is king”….“To err is human, but to be paid for it divine” and “Definition of obscene profits — something you always hear about but never experience yourself.”
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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