Quotes By Bertolt Brecht

Sometimes it's more important to be human, than to have good taste.

Mixing one's wines may be a mistake, but old and new wisdom mix admirably.

No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

Do not fear death so much but rather the inadequate life.

He who laughs has not yet heard the bad news.

The world of knowledge takes a crazy turn when teachers themselves are taught to learn.

Why be a man when you can be a success?

People remain what they are even if their faces fall apart.

Grub first, then ethics.

Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.

Poverty makes you wise but it's a curse.

It is easier to rob by setting up a bank than by holding up a bank clerk.

Temptation to behave is terrible.

What a miserable thing life is: you're living in clover, only the clover isn't good enough.

Don't tell me peace has broken out.

No one will improve your lot if you do not yourself.

The defeats and victories of the fellows at the top aren't always defeats and victories for the fellows at the bottom.

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.

What is the robbing of a bank compared to the founding of a bank?

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.

It's all right to hesitate if you then go ahead.

Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good.

Poverty makes you sad as well as wise.

The finest plans have always been spoiled by the littleness of them that should carry them out. Even emperors can't do it all by themselves.

Everyone needs help from everyone.

Science knows only one commandment - contribute to science.

Right is its own defense.

Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.

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.

From the cradle to the coffin underwear comes first.