Mad Men: 7 Don Draper Quotes So Profound You’ll Forget Breaking Bad Exists

Breaking Bad has been widely regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time. While there are a lot of positive aspects within the series, its dialogue is especially loved. Several iconic lines over the course of its five seasons force the viewer to pause the program and contemplate on the words that just stumbled out of a character’s mount.

Although there is no denying that the series is iconic in several ways, there is another that can easily ace the same feat. Where fans have to look through the entirety of Bryan Cranston’s series to find words of wisdom, Mad Men is able to achieve the same regard through a single character.

Through the course of its seven seasons, Don Draper has had some of the most iconic and memorable lines in all of television. While there are several examples of the same, here are seven of the most significant.

7. I’m glad this is an environment where you feel free to fail.

Throughout the course of Mad Men, sarcasm has always been a very important part of Jon Hamm’s Don Draper. His bluntness may come off as a shock to many around him, however, it is one of the biggest reasons why fans love him as much as they do. There is no better example of this than in the seventh episode of the fourth season, where his character throws these somewhat rude words at Elizabeth Moss’ Peggy Olson.

6. You want some respect? Go out there and get it for yourself.

The eighth episode of season four, The Summer Man, has been regarded as one of the best to come out of the series and this line may as well be credited for it. The episode brings forth quite an interesting conflict for Moss’ character and Draper’s words end up being surprisingly empathic. Showcasing exactly why he is an excellent boss, the scene is somewhat of a humanizing moment for his character.

5. What is happiness? It’s a moment before you need more happiness.

Although most of Don Draper’s lines are more on the motivational side, he often ends up saying words that perk up the philosophical side of many fans. In season five’s Commissions and Fees, these words end up being a representation of the state of his life, being drawn towards his obsession with a goal of satisfaction that even he understands is fleeting.

4. There is no big lie. There is no system. The universe is indifferent.

While many would assume that Mad Men started to come up with heavy-hitting lines in the latter seasons, there is plenty of proof that says otherwise. There is no better example than the eighth episode, where Jon Hamm’s character ends up hitting the audience with these words. The sentiment was so heavy that the impact of his words was even acknowledged in the series itself.

3. Change is neither good nor bad. It simply is.

Another example of a philosophical line delivered by Draper would be his words in season three, episode two. The character points out a reality that few are willing to accept, talking about how change is inevitable. Pointing out that there is no point in romanticizing something that is going to be constant, he always hits audiences where it hurts.

2. If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.

On the more motivational side of Don Draper’s quotes, one can always count on him to give the best advice to be successful. In the second episode of the third season, Jon Hamm’s character ends up inspiring his client to understand things and conversations from different perspectives.

While many would focus on changing or adapting to a conversation if they do not like what is being said, his suggestion to simply find a different conversation is certainly an unconventional one.

1. Nostalgia. It’s delicate… but potent.

Finally, one of the most memorable and heartfelt moments for Don Draper’s character has to be in the thirteenth episode of the first season. While in a meeting with one of his clients, these five words end up setting his character up in a way that few things could have. Showcasing the true intentions behind his actions and how he actually feels about his family, the scene has been regarded as one of the best in the series.

Mad Men is available for streaming on Prime Video.