Quotes By Bertolt Brecht

Grub first, then ethics.

War is like love; it always finds a way.

There are many elements to a campaign. Leadership is number one. Everything else is number two.

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

Whenever there are great virtues, it's a sure sign something's wrong.

Temptation to behave is terrible.

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

Society cannot share a common communication system so long as it is split into warring factions.

Don't be afraid of death so much as an inadequate life.

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?

Hungry man, reach for the book: it is a weapon.

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

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

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

He who laughs has not yet heard the bad news.

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.

Right is its own defense.

Why be a man when you can be a success?

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

From the cradle to the coffin underwear comes first.

You don't need to pray to God any more when there are storms in the sky, but you do have to be insured.

Poverty makes you wise but it's a curse.

What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?

Don't tell me peace has broken out.

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

People are too durable, that's their main trouble. They can do too much to themselves, they last too long.

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

To live means to finesse the processes to which one is subjugated.