Grandad Trotter might have seemed like a senile old man who couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag. But he had a simple, profound take on life. "Respect," he’d say, "is the most important thing." Not money, not fame—just respect.
Think about it: all of Del Boy’s get-rich-quick schemes fell apart because he lacked genuine respect for the details. But when the family stuck together, they survived. Grandad’s wisdom reminds us that your real wealth isn’t in your bank account, but in the people who still answer the phone when you call them a "dipstick."
Trigger’s Lesson on Persistence: "Ah, Dave"
Let’s not forget the lovable road-sweeper, Trigger. His famous claim that he’s owned the same broom for twenty years—even though it’s had seventeen new heads and fourteen new handles—is a masterclass in persistence. He never gave up on that broom, just like we shouldn’t give up on our dreams, even if they’ve been completely rebuilt.
Trigger teaches us that it’s not about the original parts; it’s about the intention. If your New Year’s resolution has had seventeen new starts, that’s okay! You’re still the same determined soul, and that’s what counts.
Only Fools and Horses (Season 1) Quotes