Top quotes by Charlie Chaplin

I thought I would dress in baggy pants, big shoes, a cane and a derby hat. everything a contradiction: the pants baggy, the coat tight, the hat small and the shoes large. Votes: 30

A tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure. Votes: 26

I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician. Votes: 25

I do not have much patience with a thing of beauty that must be explained to be understood. If it does need additional interpretation by someone other than the creator, then I question whether it has fulfilled its purpose. Votes: 18

A man's true character comes out when he's drunk. Votes: 16

Life could be wonderful if people would leave you alone. Votes: 13

I suppose that's one of the ironies of life doing the wrong thing at the right moment. Votes: 10

Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself. Votes: 10

To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it! Votes: 10

Brunettes are troublemakers. They're worse than the Jews. Votes: 10

We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity; more than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. Votes: 10

Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles. Votes: 9

What do you want a meaning for? Life is a desire, not a meaning. Votes: 9

Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot. Votes: 9

To help a friend in need is easy, but to give him your time is not always opportune. Votes: 9

The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. Votes: 9

Movies are a fad. Audiences really want to see live actors on a stage. Votes: 9

my lips never know my problem they just always smile Votes: 9

Even when I was in the orphanage, when I was roaming the street trying to find enough to eat, even then I thought of myself as the greatest actor in the world. I had to feel the exuberance that comes from utter confidence in yourself. Without it, you go down to defeat. Votes: 9

I'd sooner be called a successful crook than a destitute monarch. Votes: 8

The basic essential of a great actor is that he loves himself in acting. Votes: 6

Greed has poisoned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. Votes: 6

I am at peace with God. My conflict is with Man. Votes: 5

Why should poetry have to make sense? Votes: 5

The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men, cries out for universal brotherhood, for the unity of us all. Votes: 5

I don't need interesting camera angles, I am interesting. Votes: 4

I have Many Problems in My Life. But my leaps don`t know that. They always smile Votes: 3

There are more valid facts and details in works of art than there are in history books. Votes: 3

Think about yourself at least once in your life otherwise you may miss the best comedy in this world. Votes: 3

I had no idea of the character. But the moment I was dressed, the clothes and the make-up made me feel the person he was. I began to know him, and by the time I walked onto the stage he was fully born. Votes: 2

In Philadelphia, I inadvertently came upon an edition of Robert Ingersoll's Essays and Lectures. This was an exciting discovery; his atheism confirmed my own belief that the horrific cruelty of the Old Testament was degrading to the human spirit. Votes: 0

Dictators free themselves, but they enslave the people. Votes: 0

I went into the business for the money, and the art grew out of it. If people are disillusioned by that remark, I can't help it. It's the truth. Votes: 0

The best thing in life is to go ahead with all your plans and your dreams, to embrace life and to live everyday with passion, to lose and still keep the faith and to win while being grateful. All of this because the world belongs to those who dare to go after what they want. And because life is really too short to be insignificant. Votes: 0

Life can be wonderful if you're not afraid of it. All it takes is courage, imagination ... and a little dough Votes: 0

As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health - food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism. Today I know it is Love of Oneself. Votes: 0

That is why, no matter how desperate the predicament is, I am always very much in earnest about clutching my cane, straightening my derby hat and fixing my tie, even though I have just landed on my head. Votes: 0

Man is an animal with primary instincts of survival. Consequently his ingenuity has developed first and his soul afterwards. The progress of science is far ahead of man's ethical behavior. Votes: 0

In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Votes: 0

Man as an individual is a genius. But men in the mass form the headless monster, a great, brutish idiot that goes where prodded. Votes: 0

In the work of the greatest geniuses, humble beginnings will reveal themselves somewhere, but one cannot trace the slightest sign of them in Shakespeare ... I am not concerned with who wrote the works of Shakespeare ... but I can hardly think it was the Stratford boy. Whoever wrote them had an aristocratic attitude. Votes: 0

Like everyone else I am what I am: an individual, unique and different, with a lineal history of ancestral promptings and urgings; a history of dreams, desires, and of special experiences, all of which I am the sum total. Votes: 0

Where words leave off, gesture begins. Don't we speak of a person being speechless with rage, dancing with impatience, setting his teeth? The final motions of the soul are speechless, animal, grotesque, or of an incomparable beauty. Votes: 0

Life is a beautiful magnificent thing, even to a jellyfish. Votes: 0

You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile. Votes: 0

A day without laughter is a day wasted. Votes: 0

As I began to love myself I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally. Today I call this connection "WISDOM OF THE HEART"... Votes: 0

As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth. Today, I know, this is "AUTHENTICITY". Votes: 0

As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow. Today I call it 'maturity'. Votes: 0

The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury. Votes: 0

More than machinery, we need humanity. Votes: 0

I don't think the real America is in New York or on the Pacific Coast; personally, I like the Middle West much better, places like North and South Dakota, Minneapolis and Saint Paul. There, I think, are the true Americans Votes: 0

The mirror is my best friend because when I cry it never laughs. Votes: 0

My prodigious sin was, and still is, being a non-conformist. Votes: 0

My prodigious sin was, and still is, being a non-conformist. Although I am not a Communist I refused to fall in line by hating them. Votes: 0

Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it's breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by if you smile through your pain and sorrow. Smile and maybe tomorrow, you'll see the sun come shining through for you. Votes: 0

Perfect love is the most beautiful of all frustrations because it is more than one can express. Votes: 0

I've arrived at the age where a platonic friendship can be sustained on the highest moral plane. Votes: 0

I believe in the power of laughter and tears as an antidote to hatred and terror Votes: 0

All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl. Votes: 0

I always like walking in the rain, so no one can see me crying. Votes: 0

Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain. Votes: 0

In the end, everything is a gag Votes: 0

Remember, you can always stoop and pick up nothing. Votes: 0

Life laughs at you when you are unhappy; Life smiles at you when you are happy; But life salutes you when you make other happy. Votes: 0

So when I cease to be I want to go back...to the sea! Oh for the life of a sardine! That is the life for me! Votes: 0

The building is a special place because of its architecture; But it's people who make it special by participating in it. Votes: 0

When we got off the streetcar at Times Square, it was somewhat of a letdown. Newspapers were blowing about the road and pavement, and Broadway looked seedy, like a slovenly woman just out of bed. Votes: 0

We think too much and feel too little. Votes: 0

My character of the Tramp, the millions of workers symbolized in that one figure. Votes: 0

All my pictures are built around the idea of getting in trouble and so giving me the chance to be desperately serious in my attempt to appear as a normal little gentleman. Votes: 0

They cheer me because they all understand me, and they cheer you because no one understands you. Votes: 0

Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural. Votes: 0

One murder makes a villain. Millions a hero. Votes: 0

Life could be wonderful if people would leave you alone Votes: 0

We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery. Votes: 0

Words are cheap. The biggest thing you can say is 'elephant'. Votes: 0

Despair is a narcotic. It lulls the mind into indifference. Votes: 0

I have no further use for America. I wouldn't go back there if Jesus Christ was President. Votes: 0

I don't believe that the public knows what it wants; this is the conclusion that I have drawn from my career. Votes: 0

This is a ruthless world and one must be ruthless to cope with it. Votes: 0

In the end, everything is a gag. Votes: 0

The glamour of it all! New York! America! Votes: 0

We might as well die as to go on living like this. Votes: 0

Your naked body should only belong to those who fall in love with your naked soul. Votes: 0

As for politics, I’m an anarchist. I hate governments and rules and fetters. Can’t stand caged animals. People must be free. Votes: 0

Simplicity is not a simple thing. Votes: 0

Life is a beautiful, magnificent thing, even to a jellyfish. ... The trouble is you won't fight. You've given up. But there's something just as inevitable as death. And that's life. Think of the power of the universe — turning the Earth, growing the trees. That's the same power within you — if you'll only have the courage and the will to use it. Votes: 0

My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh. But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain. Votes: 0

...The way of life can be free and beautiful. But we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in; machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity, more than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities life will be violent and all will be lost. Votes: 0

More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness Votes: 0

You have to believe in yourself. That's the secret. Votes: 0

Imagination means nothing without doing. Votes: 0

Judge a man not by how he treats his equals but by how he treats his inferiors. Votes: 0

Beauty is an omnipresence of death and loveliness, a smiling sadness that we discern in nature and all things, a mystic communion that the poet feels. Votes: 0

Don't be afraid of the unknown because, even when they wander into chaos, planets are born stars! Votes: 0

Have them all shot. I don't want any of my workers dissatisfied. Votes: 0

Anyone can make them cry, but it takes a genius to make them laugh. Votes: 0

What a sad business is being funny! Votes: 0

There is greatness in everyone. Votes: 0

Tomorrow, the birds will sing. Be brave. Face life. Votes: 0

Ability to think, like the violin or piano, requires daily practice Votes: 0

I like friends as I like music - when I am in the mood. Votes: 0

You need Power, only when you want to do something harmful otherwise Love is enough to get everything done. Votes: 0

Let us fight to free the world - to do away with national barriers - to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness. Votes: 0

Life is laughter when seen in a long shot, but it is a tragedy when seen in a close-up. Votes: 0

That's what all we are: amateurs. We don't live long enough to be anything else. Votes: 0

I do not need drugs to be a genius, do not take a genius to be human, but I need your smile to be happy. Votes: 0

You the people have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.. Votes: 0

Let us fight for a new world, a decent world! Votes: 0

Dictators free themselves by enslaving others. They work not for your benefit, but their own. Votes: 0

Nothing in life is permanent, not even one's troubles. Votes: 0

Life is a play that does not allow testing. So, sing, cry, dance, laugh and live intensely, before the curtain closes and the piece ends with no applause. Votes: 0

That's the trouble with the world. We all despise ourselves. Votes: 0

The rights of citizenship will be taken away from all Jews and other non-Aryans. They are inferior and therefore enemies of the state. It is the duty of all true Aryans to hate and despise them. Votes: 0

I am for people. I can't help it. Votes: 0

I will not join any club who will take me as a member. Votes: 0

Actors search for rejection. If they don't get it they reject themselves. Votes: 0

Simplicity is a difficult thing to achieve. Votes: 0

By simple common sense I don't believe in God, in none. Votes: 0

You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down Votes: 0

It seems to me that my mother was the most splendid woman I ever knew... I have met a lot of people knocking around the world since, but I have never met a more thoroughly refined woman than my mother. If I have amounted to anything, it will be due to her. Votes: 0

Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for LIBERTY! You, the people have the power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Votes: 0

I hope we shall abolish war and settle all differences at the conference table I hope we shall abolish all hydrogen and atom bombs before they abolish us first. Votes: 0

The heart and the mind ... what an enigma. Votes: 0

The Kingdom of God is within man, not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! Votes: 0

Sound has spoiled the most ancient of the world's arts, the art of pantomime, and has canceled out the great beauty that is silence. Votes: 0

I am not a political man and I have no political convictions. I am an individual and a believer in liberty. That is all the politics I have. On the other hand I am not a super-patriot. Super-patriotism leads to Hitlerism — and we've had our lesson there. I don't want to create a revolution — I just want to create a few more films. Votes: 0

I have found that great ideas come when you have a great desire to have them. Votes: 0

I should like to help everyone - if possible - Jew, Gentile - black man - white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness, not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful. Votes: 0

Greed has poisoned men's souls Votes: 0

Through humour, we see in what seems rational, the irrational; in what seems important, the unimportant Votes: 0

Why not? After all, it belongs to him. Votes: 0

Over the years I have discovered that ideas come through an intense desire for them; continually desiring, the mind becomes a watchtower on the lookout for incidents that may excite the imagination. Votes: 0

Your Pain May Give Laugh To Somebody But Your Laugh Shouldn't Give Pain To Anybody Votes: 0

In this desperate way, I started many a comedy. Votes: 0

From such trivia, I believe my soul was born. Votes: 0

Moving pictures need sound as much as Beethoven symphonies need lyrics, Votes: 0

Life salutes u when u make others happy Votes: 0

Nothing is more important than the moving image; Votes: 0

Nothing quite like it. The feeling of film. Votes: 0

If you're really truthful with yourself, it's a wonderful guidance. Votes: 0

You are only as good as the woman you are standing beside. Votes: 0

Words seem so futile, so feeble. You are all such lovely, beautiful people ... thank you. Votes: 0

The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury. [and therefore not appreciate it fully or be grateful for it every moment.] Votes: 0

In the creation of comedy, it is paradoxical that tragedy stimulates the spirit of ridicule; because ridicule, I suppose is an attitude of defiance: we must laugh in the face of our helplessness against the forces of nature - or go insane Votes: 0

I can't understand Karl Marx, so how can I be a Communist? Votes: 0

We must laugh in the face of our helplessness against the forces of nature, or go insane. Votes: 0

Simplicity of approach is always best. Votes: 0

3 is a prime, 5 is a prime, 7 is a prime, 9 is the next prime after 8. Votes: 0

In the 17th Chapter of St. Luke it is written: "the Kingdom of God is within man" - not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people have the power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. ... Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all mens happiness. Votes: 0

The cinema is little more than a fad. It's canned drama. What audiences really want to see is flesh and blood on the stage. Votes: 0

Unless I write every day, I don't feel I deserve my dinner. Votes: 0

As long as men die, liberty will never parish. Votes: 0

If anybody else says it's like old times, I'll jump out the window. Votes: 0

I hate the sight of blood, but it's in my veins. Votes: 0

I do not wish to lose my temper because very shortly I will lose my head. Nevertheless, upon leaving this spark of earthly existence, I have this to say: I shall see you all very soon ... very soon. Votes: 0

I do not have much patience with a thing of beauty that must be explained to be understood. Votes: 0

I'm an old sinner. Nothing shocks me. Votes: 0

My technique is the outcome of thinking for myself, of my own logic and approach; it is not borrowed from what others are doing. Votes: 0

I am known in parts of the world by people who have never heard of Jesus Christ. Votes: 0

I am not religious in the dogmatic sense ... I neither believe nor disbelieve in anything. Votes: 0

Let us fight to free the world Votes: 0

Hair is vitally personal to children. They weep vigorously when it is cut for the first time; no matter how it grows, bushy, straight or curly, they feel they are being shorn of a part of their personality. Votes: 0

To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. Votes: 0

During my incarceration Mother visited me. She had in some way managed to leave the workhouse and was making an effort to establish a home for us. Her presence was like a bouquet of flowers; she looked so fresh and lovely that I felt ashamed of my unkempt appearance and my shaved iodined head.'You must excuse his dirty face,' said the nurse.Mother laughed, and how well I remember her endearing words as she hugged and kissed me: 'With all thy dirt I love thee still. Votes: 0

Friends have asked how I came to engender this American antagonism. My prodigious sin was, and still is, being a non-conformist. Although I am not a Communist I refused to fall in line by hating them. Secondly, I was opposed to the Committee on Un-American Activities — a dishonest phrase to begin with, elastic enough to wrap around the throat and strangle the voice of any American citizen whose honest opinion is a minority of one. Votes: 0

Time is the best author. It always writes the perfect ending. Votes: 0

I like to walk in rain, so that nobody can see my tears. Votes: 0

I don't want to create a revolution — I just want to create a few more films. Votes: 0

The people are applauding you because none of them understands you and applauding me because everybody understands me. Votes: 0

Had I known of the actual horrors of the German concentration camps, I could not have made The Great Dictator, I could not have made fun of the homicidal insanity of the Nazis. Votes: 0

What can stars do? Nothing..But sit on their axis! Votes: 0

In this book I do not intend to give a blow-by-blow description of a sex bout: I find them inartistic, clinical and unpoetic. The circumstances that lead up to sex I find more interesting. Votes: 0

Quebec from the boat looked like the ramparts where Hamlet's ghost might have walked. Votes: 0

I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. Votes: 0

This is a story of a period between two World Wars — an interim in which insanity cut loose. Liberty took a nose dive, and humanity was kicked around somewhat. Votes: 0

It isn't the ups and downs that make life difficult; it's the jerks. Votes: 0

Soldiers! In the name of democracy, let us all unite! Votes: 0

In the light of our egos, we are all dethroned monarchs Votes: 0