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Quotes by Bertolt Brecht


Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.
– Bertolt Brecht
A man who sees another man on the street corner with only a stump for an arm will be so shocked the first time he'll give him sixpence. But the second time it'll only be a three penny bit. And if he sees him a third time, he'll have him cold-bloodedly handed over to the police.
– Bertolt Brecht
Boy meets Girl, So What?
– Bertolt Brecht
Don't tell me peace has broken out.
– Bertolt Brecht
Everyone needs help from everyone.
– Bertolt Brecht
From the cradle to the coffin underwear comes first.
– Bertolt Brecht
Grub first, then ethics.
– Bertolt Brecht
He who laughs has not yet heard the bad news.
– Bertolt Brecht
It is easier to rob by setting up a bank than by holding up a bank clerk.
– Bertolt Brecht
Mixing one's wines may be a mistake, but old and new wisdom mix admirably.
– Bertolt Brecht
No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.
– Bertolt Brecht
No one will improve your lot if you do not yourself.
– Bertolt Brecht
One forgets too easily the difference between a man and his image, and that there is none between the sound of his voice on the screen and in real life.
– Bertolt Brecht
People are too durable, that's their main trouble. They can do too much to themselves, they last too long.
– Bertolt Brecht
People remain what they are even if their faces fall apart.
– Bertolt Brecht
Right is its own defense.
– Bertolt Brecht
Science knows only one commandment - contribute to science.
– Bertolt Brecht
Sometimes it's more important to be human, than to have good taste.
– Bertolt Brecht
The world of knowledge takes a crazy turn when teachers themselves are taught to learn.
– Bertolt Brecht
Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes.
– Bertolt Brecht
War is like love; it always finds a way.
– Bertolt Brecht
We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.
– Bertolt Brecht
What a miserable thing life is: you're living in clover, only the clover isn't good enough.
– Bertolt Brecht
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
– Bertolt Brecht
What's breaking into a bank compared with founding a bank?
– Bertolt Brecht
Why be a man when you can be a success?
– Bertolt Brecht
Do not fear death so much, but rather the inadequate life.
– Bertolt Brecht
For the villainy of the world is great, and a man has to run his legs off to keep them from being stolen out fom underneath him.
– Bertolt Brecht
What they could do with 'round here is a good war. What else can you expect with peace running wild all over the place? You know what the trouble with peace is? No organization.
– Bertolt Brecht
There are many elements to a campaign. Leadership is number one. Everything else is number two.
– Bertolt Brecht
The law was made for one thing alone, for the exploitation of those who don't understand it, or are prevented by naked misery from obeying it.
– Bertolt Brecht
Society cannot share a common communication system so long as it is split into warring factions.
– Bertolt Brecht
Poverty makes you sad as well as wise.
– Bertolt Brecht
Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good.
– Bertolt Brecht
Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.
– Bertolt Brecht