Top quotes by Sylvester Stallone

There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone. Votes: 27

I want to turn my attention to movies about love relationships. Exploring the female psyche - there ought to be some interesting discoveries there. Love stories. If you do it right, people want to hear romantic dialog. Votes: 25

I have a lack of fear, whereas in the past the fear of failure was a powerful motivator. Anyway, I have great expectations for the future, but I just don't know if I'm the monarch of all I survey. Votes: 21

The action movies changed radically when it became possible to Velcro your muscles on. It was the beginning of a new era. The visual took over. The special effects became more important than the single person. That was the beginning of the end. Votes: 20

I have great expectations for the future, because the past was highly overrated. Votes: 19

My life has always been chaotic. From the time I got dressed in the back of a deflated, flat-tired, fish-smelling station wagon for Rocky. It's always been do it yourself, kind of like paper-clip it together. Votes: 18

When I was a kid, my mother used to feed me mashed-potato sandwiches, brussel sprout sandwiches; my brain cells were starving from lack of food. I'll eat anything. I'll eat dirt. Votes: 17

Years ago I was diagnosed with a condition, and my doctors prescribed human growth hormone and testosterone for its treatment. Under medical supervision, I have continued to use both medications. Votes: 14

Don't be gullible, use life before it uses you. Understand there are no free lunches, and for every action you take, there's a reaction. Votes: 13

For 'Rocky II,' I got a torn pectoral muscle, I got all beat up inside, I had to have an operation to splice things back together. Votes: 13

Life is more than sunglasses and hit movies. Reality - that's the main event. Votes: 13

I tend to think of action movies as exuberant morality plays in which good triumphs over evil. Votes: 12

When I'm doing a movie, I eat the same thing every day. For lunch, it's tuna salad or chicken salad and cole slaw. That's it. For dinner it's either veal and rice, fish and rice or steak and rice. It gets boring; boy, does it get boring. Votes: 12

I was on cruise control from '85 to '95, and it was my fault. There were a lot of self-inflicted wounds, when I was not doing any original material. I wasn't directing. I wasn't writing. That's not who I am. Votes: 10

If you look at people that have survived crashing in the mountains and lived up in the snow for 40 days - it's possible to do extraordinary feats. Votes: 10

I have a fear of heights that borders on mania. Votes: 9

There aren't a lot of opportunities for that rite of passage that makes you a man. War is one of them, and violent sports are another. Votes: 9

People that spend time in a foxhole - they're never going to find that relationship anywhere else again... Everything else pales next to that. When you think about the Second World War vets - more than even the Vietnam vets - there's a brotherhood. Votes: 9

People don't realize that when they 'throw out' their back, it's often because of weak abs. These muscles are essential for lower-back strength and good posture. Votes: 9

I believe any success in life is made by going into an area with a blind, furious optimism. Votes: 9

Now it really is, believe it or not, 90% of the films are green lit, not by the studio heads, but by the marketing department. Votes: 9

Painting is as close as a person can get to actually capturing the heat of the moment. Votes: 9

From the time I got dressed in the back of a deflated, flat-tired, fish-smelling station wagon for Rocky. It's always been do it yourself, kind of like paper-clip it together. Votes: 9

Every morning, I crawl out of bed. I sit there and think, 'Do I really need this?' And I drag myself to the gym in my garage. It's not fun. I hate it. I work out alone. Weights. Votes: 8

It would be great to be able to pass on to someone all of the successes, the failures, and the knowledge that one has had. To help someone, avoid all the fire, pain and anxiety would be wonderful. Votes: 7

Suddenly I've got an overwhelming desire to surround myself with the aura of classical and Romantic art. Votes: 7

Once is a man's life, for one mortal moment, he must make a grab for immorality; if not, he has not lived. Votes: 6

Certain characters, mostly heroes, have to be the straight silent type; that is part of the make-up. Votes: 5

Jesus is the inspiration for anyone to go the distance. Votes: 4

I'll always have this blue-collar connection. For every guy, there is an opportunity to be a lot better than he thought he could be. We can't all be the star of the team, but we can be a star in our life. Votes: 2

I think audiences have hit the wall with CGI and special effects. They have seen so many over-the-top events that they can't suspend disbelief. Votes: 0

It took me a long time to be convinced that marriage was right for me because I've come from a long line of broken marriages. My parents divorced, and I had two broken marriages myself. Votes: 0

When I was in junior high school, the teachers voted me the student most likely to end up in the electric chair. Votes: 0

I think everyone has a certain kind of formula in their life. When you deviate from that formula, you're going to fail big or you're gonna win big. Votes: 0

I have two lovely sons and some good memories, but I've had a rather tumultuous personal life. It hasn't been dull; I've been the Hiroshima of love. Votes: 0

I know I can't play funny roles in movies. I tried, and it didn't work. Votes: 0

I just fight in my movies, never in real life. Votes: 0

In the movies, I kill guys with an axe. In real life, I can't control a nine-year-old girl. Votes: 0

I love art more than anything in the world except for my family. Votes: 0

When a parent loses a child, there is no greater pain. Votes: 0

I respect a woman too much to marry her. Votes: 0

Just because society says I'm old doesn't mean I am. Votes: 0

A lot of guys have muscles. A lot of strong men in this world. I think it's important to show that even under all this strength there's a fragile side, a side that can be affected. Votes: 0

A lot of women read male magazines. Of course, a lot of guys read female magazines, but they've got another issue to deal with. But a lot of women read men's magazines and think, 'Oh, this is what these guys are thinking? Studying up on the enemy here.' Votes: 0

When I'm on a location, I pick a restaurant that's close and private and eat all my meals there. Votes: 0

Today's action hero, his skills are through technology. He can fly, he can throw a bolt of lightning, he can freeze people. Votes: 0

If you express yourself too much, you're considered weak. Votes: 0

I'm pretty spiritual; I believe a lot in the spirit of man. Votes: 0

People think retiring is fun. Well, maybe, but if you have a certain kind of fire inside, there is no end in sight. Votes: 0

Every time I've failed, people had me out for the count, but I always come back. Votes: 0

If you don't have a mountain, build one and then climb it. And after you climb it, build another one; otherwise you start to flatline in your life. Votes: 0

Clothing is the first step to building a character. Votes: 0

I try to combine in my paintings cinematic feeling, emotional feeling, and sometimes actually writing on the page to combine all the different elements of communication. Votes: 0

You are what you leave behind. Votes: 0

Once in one's life, for one mortal moment, one must make a grab for immortality; if not, one has not lived. Votes: 0

I could start a war in 30 seconds. But some countries spend 100 years trying to find peace. Just like good manners, peace has to be learned. Votes: 0

The body needs to rest. It needs a lot less exercise than you think. Votes: 0

The biggest and most interesting crisis in the world is the human crisis, and it never gets boring. It goes back to Shakespeare. You don't need a gimmick; it's just man against man and their intolerance of each other. Votes: 0

I believe there's an inner power that makes winners or losers. And the winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts. Votes: 0

Your brain is triggered to produce. Votes: 0

I'm not just painting for painting's sake. I want to be truthful. Votes: 0

I'm always looking for a new challenge. There are a lot of mountains to climb out there. When I run out of mountains, I'll build a new one. Votes: 0

The world will never come together and say, 'We are one.' Votes: 0

Early on everyone should do, every time they do a big film, they should do a little film. It really does keep you grounded. Votes: 0

I think that's become passe, but if you can surround yourself with a kind of monument to yourself and your family - a statement - and you can afford it, then that's a noble project. Votes: 0

Crunches are much more effective than regular sit-ups because they specifically target your upper abdominal muscles rather than your hip muscles. If you're not used to them, they can cause soreness a day or two later, but it's a 'cool' soreness. A badge of honor. Votes: 0

Art is the ability to communicate through an intermediary and to convey one's feelings through an isolated object. It's inspiration and incubation. Putting my subjective feelings into an objective form and then on to you for a subjective interpretation. Votes: 0

I was an ambitious child and I tended to be scatterbrained. If I was at school and saw a bird outside the window I wanted to follow it. I was adventurous. Votes: 0

The men in Vietnam weren't allowed to fight the war with any kind of concern to win by the government. It was like a war of attrition. Votes: 0

I consider myself something of a raconteur. I have a rather audacious sense of humour. Votes: 0

Making a movie is the same as an orchestra; it's moving all the different instruments and the sounds, the kinetic and the auditory and the visual all together. I'm probably the trombone. Votes: 0

I made some truly awful movies. 'Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot' was the worst. If you ever want someone to confess to murder just make him or her sit through that film. They will confess to anything after 15 minutes. Votes: 0

With writing, I think you have to be honest with yourself. I have a certain kind of writing; that is, I like to really embellish the human spirit. You have to write about something you have a feel for. Votes: 0

Boxing is a great way to vent. I don't know if there is a better way, I think for women too. There is something so primal about it and it's the best exercise in the world, even if you don't ever get in the ring. Votes: 0

Most of the films I myself like don't do very well. Every director, he has a choice, whether to go for subtlety and try to articulate every minute detail, or to go for the broad strokes and hope that the people will fill in between the lines. I tend to go for the broader strokes. Votes: 0

Voices are like fingerprints, from Cagney to Bogart. They never lost it. My voice is instrumental in categorizing me. Votes: 0

In a contest between me and a bulldog, you would say the bulldog is cuter. Votes: 0

Without love, loyalty, desires, passion, courage, dignities, faith, beliefs and all the other ingredients that go into making the human soul something so elevated that only God knows its limits, we are only shells bobbing aimlessly in a calm sea of mediocrity. ...And if you can figure that out, please write and explain it to me because you're a better man than I am. Votes: 0

I think people of all occupations, whether it's the camera - puller or the man who's doing the catering, they can identify with Rambo's frustrations, with the veteran's frustrations. Votes: 0

I've been involved in something which was chaotic and insane. All I can say now is that I am, and intend to stay, a single man. Votes: 0

Most action is based on redemption and revenge, and that's a formula. Moby Dick was formula. It's how you get to the conclusion that makes it interesting. Votes: 0

What I'm trying to do now in my life - not just with the building, but with everything - is to construct things that will have enduring qualities, and won't just be ephemeral flashes in the pan. Votes: 0

I was very much into buying contemporary art, but I've just decided I want to get rid of it all. Not that it's not great art, but all of a sudden my mood has changed, and I want to go back to seventeenth- and eighteenth-century masters. Votes: 0

Success is usually the culmination of controlling failure. Votes: 0

If bad decorating was a hanging offense, there'd be bodies hanging from every tree! Votes: 0

I realized, the older I get, the more difficult life becomes. It's not easier, it's more difficult. Votes: 0

I am a sensitive writer, actor and director. Talking business disgusts me. If you want to talk business, call my disgusting personal manager. Votes: 0

I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat. Votes: 0

Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake. Votes: 0

That's the hardest thing about doing sequels - you've lost the element of surprise. Votes: 0

Action is always seen as the bottom rung of thespian endeavour, that's just the way it is. Votes: 0

If you're gonna be a failure, at least be one at something you enjoy. Votes: 0

When you're younger you just want to go out and make your mark in the world and doing that, quite often, the people that you love the most and the people you should be closest to suffer from estrangement. I'd be gone nine months a year, so how do you know anyone? When you come home you are a stranger. Votes: 0

People assume that 'The Expendables' is old school, but it's only old school because that's the way I know how to make an action film. It's pretty real. Votes: 0

I learned the real meaning of love. Love is absolute loyalty. People fade, looks fade, but loyalty never fades. You can depend so much on certain people, you can set your watch by them. And that's love, even if it doesn't seem very exciting. Votes: 0

We're all expendable. We think the world's going to stop when a pope dies, or a king. And then... life goes on. Votes: 0

Boxing is a great exercise ... as long as you can yell "cut" whenever you want to. Votes: 0

Until America, door to door, takes every handgun, this is what you're gonna have. It's pathetic. It really is pathetic. It's sad. We're living in the Dark Ages over there. Votes: 0

I have tremendous respect for fighters and I always tell people that boxing in movies is one thing but when you get into the ring for real, even the worst heavyweight in the world is going to murder you. You've just got to appreciate the pain and the suffering and the glory and skill that goes into what they do. That's why I love the sport so much. Votes: 0

I guess the best thing I do of all is ride. Horsemanship, I have a natural flair for it. Votes: 0

Theater is like boxing - having the audience ringside. It's instant gratification. Or horrification. Votes: 0

I think kids growing up, if they were picked on and feeling inferior at 12, they're going to feel that way at 72. You just deal with it better. I'm serious. Votes: 0

There is an age-old proverb that really does hold true in every area of life - in relations between nations and right down to the most subtle and sophisticated or must unstable and unsophisticated relations between lovers - and it is this: they took "kindness" for "weakness." Votes: 0

When you're on top and you lead the parade, everyone's there throwing lilies and lilac water on your head. But when those parades have gone by and there's a storm in your heart, there are very few people that are going to sit there and listen to you bemoan life. Votes: 0

Like I said, I've got too much respect for women to marry them, but that doesn't mean you can't support them emotionally and financially. Votes: 0

My favorite snack would have to be Fritos, no doubt about it. Fritos and mayonnaise. I know. Really healthy, isn't it? Votes: 0

To know that the odds are so high that only through the perishing of your life will the minions survive, that's love. That's heroism. Votes: 0

I love being so tight on people in close-ups that the veins in their eyes look like the Mississippi River. Votes: 0

That's what Rocky is all about: pride, reputation, and not being another bum in the neighborhood. Votes: 0

Love is absolute loyalty. People fade, looks fade, but the loyalty never fades. Votes: 0

I thought marriage was tough. Golf's like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel! It's a psychological game that gets into your blood. Votes: 0

The only happy artist is a dead artist, because only then you can't change. After I die, I'll probably come back as a paintbrush. Votes: 0

The trouble with remakes is that people fall in love with the original. It's like peanut butter. If you try to change the taste of peanut butter, you're in trouble. Votes: 0

I think that gravity sets into everything, including careers, but pendulums do swing and mountains do become valleys after a while... if you keep on walking. Votes: 0

I think I'd like to be remembered as someone who beat the odds through just plain determination. ... that I persevered. Because I think that being somewhat of a pest to life, constantly plaguing and pursuing, will bring results. Votes: 0

Rambo isn't violent. I see Rambo as a philanthropist. Votes: 0

I thought I had reached a point in life where everything would be smooth. But it is not. It just gets more jagged and pitted and filled with turns that take you into the dark recesses of your mind. It never seems to get easy. Votes: 0

Polo is like tennis - you literally have to live it. Votes: 0

Movies are a collective art. Art by proxy. Votes: 0

I try to eliminate as much dialogue as possible, and I guess Rambo is my really best experiment with how to eliminate dialogue. Votes: 0

At the very end, the one person who Rambo should kill, he doesn't kill. He lets it live. Because you can't kill that kind of hypocritical bureaucracy. It goes on forever. Votes: 0

The phenomenal thing that happened to me is that I was able to create two memorable men: one is the ultimate optimist, Rocky, and then you have Rambo, the ultimate pessimist. You're going to always be remembered for them, no matter what you do. Votes: 0

I loved 'Rocky' and 'Rambo', and am very proud of them. Votes: 0

Rocky' represents the optimistic side of life, and 'Rambo' represents purgatory. Votes: 0

The idea of Rambo is kind of intriguing as a closing chapter. When you shoot a film as a sequel to do another sequel it's a whole other tone. But when you know it's the final chapter you try and put in there as much emotion, understanding and closure as you can. So, whereas Rocky is a lighter character and optimistic, Rambo is much darker. Votes: 0

A lot of actors, and artists in general, never feel secure in love. They always feel everything's going to be taken away from them, professionally and personally; they're extremely emotional and volatile. Votes: 0

Testosterone to me is so important for a sense of well-being when you get older. Votes: 0

People asked if I could have played the Terminator. Are you kidding? Not a chance, I never could have played the Terminator. Votes: 0

Some actors are brilliant character guys. They submerge. Votes: 0

If you're willing to take the humiliation of sticking your head above the crowd, maybe it's, you know, the pleasure will be worth the pain. Votes: 0

On the sequel, you've lost the element of surprise. Usually, on the first one you may not go very, very deep into character; the second one you start to explore the character a bit more. Votes: 0

When you're scared, when you're hanging on, when life is hurting you, then you're going to see what you're really made of. Votes: 0

I believe an artist dies twice. The first time, it's just terrible - I've been there when the phone isn't ringing for years. Votes: 0

I've kind of fashioned my life after a Slinky. Bend me in a million shapes, and eventually I'll spring back to what I originally was. Votes: 0

You know you've been around when they start to remake your own movies when you're still alive. Votes: 0

I think there comes a time when you realize that you need God in your life, God's Word, and the spiritual guidance that only He can give. Votes: 0

Time is truly the great enemy. It's not the great healer, it's the great stealer. Votes: 0

There might have been a period around 'Tango & Cash' when I was nearly fashionable. My problem is that my weight's always been changing for the movies I'm in. Votes: 0

A lot of guys don't want to admit that they have a propensity for generosity and for violence. Votes: 0

I never quite understood these actors - though I envy them sometimes - who can lie out for a year or two. I feel as though time is a real pressing issue, and I want to get as much work done in the time that I have left. Votes: 0

I wish I had thought of Velcro muscles myself. I didn't have to go to the gym for all those years, all the hours wedded to the iron game, as we call it. Votes: 0

If you look back at life, I bet you will regret about 80% of your actions. But life consists of all mistakes. Votes: 0

Characters I've played, they used to impact my paintings, like 80 percent of the time, and especially when I was doing an action film. Votes: 0

Good action films - not crap, but good action films - are really morality plays. They deal in modern, mythic culture. Votes: 0

When I tried to branch out into comedy, I didn't do very well at it, so I went back to doing what I do naturally well, or what the audience expects from me - action pictures. Votes: 0

At the end of the day, 'Rocky' is a love story, and he could never have reached the final bell without Adrian. Votes: 0

I have tons of regrets, but I think that's one of the reasons that push people to create things. Out of their angst, their regret, comes the best from artists, painters and writers. Votes: 0

There's no one in the world close to Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is a phenomenon. He's brilliant. Votes: 0

There's no one in the world close to Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is a phenomenon. He's brilliant. Just because his physique belies that, don't underestimate him. Votes: 0

Nothing's harder than writing. There's no comparison. With directing, you can bounce a lot of ideas around. There's tremendous support - you've got editors and sound mixers. With writing, it's all you, and it's just crippling when people tear up your pages. Votes: 0

When boxers are in the ring, they're simple. It's when the fight is over, that's when the other fight, the real fight, begins. That's the problem. Votes: 0

I have all kinds of chest injuries; I tore my vein during 'Rocky II' and had 60 stitches. If you've seen 'Rocky Balboa,' you'll know how bad they look. Votes: 0

I'm not handsome in the classical sense. The eyes droop, the mouth is crooked, the teeth aren't straight, the voice sounds like a Mafioso pallbearer, but somehow it all works. Votes: 0

Boxing is sort of an inevitability. We know they are going to be pounding each other. Votes: 0

If you think people are inherently good, you get rid of the police for 24 hours - see what happens. Votes: 0

I am not the richest, smartest or most talented person in the world, but I succeed because I keep going and going and going. Votes: 0

I'm not right wing, I'm not left wing. I love my country. Votes: 0

With a lot of comedians, one of their major attributes is that they look comedic, with a certain hangdog or manic expression. I look like the neighborhood bully. That doesn't elicit laughter. Votes: 0

I used to tweet, but it's an act of futility. You're not really making any impact, and if you find yourself in a mood when you wanna be a bit controversial and you post something, you suddenly realise, 'Oh my God!' because you've opened yourself up to a bunch of criticism from strangers. Votes: 0

When I saw 'Hercules,' my mind just exploded because I was extremely thin; I was insecure. I literally ran out of the theatre and started lifting things, anything I could think of - milk crates. I'm still lifting things. It changed my life. Votes: 0

You know what I think happened? After 'Rocky,' I was almost set up in the eyes of the media to make a flop. Votes: 0

I'm not a genetically superior person. I built my body. Votes: 0

All good actors are unpredictable, and a little crazy in a good way, because they feel more secure playing other people than themselves. Votes: 0

There'll never be a 'Rocky IV.' You gotta call a halt. Votes: 0

I was an insecure kid. Once I saw 'Hercules' with Steve Reeves, it completely changed my life. If I had never gone to that film, I wouldn't be here today. Votes: 0

A lot of time people are like, "oh my God, you're stereotyped." Good, then you're known for something. Votes: 0

Action film is really easy to do, you just get in a car and smash through things and it's called action. The real key is what happens between the action when it's quiet. Loud is easy. Quiet, real hard. Votes: 0

Age is a state of old mind. It gets to a point where if you get old enough, you forget how old you are, and that's the best thing. And then you walk around kind of like in a fog. Votes: 0

All young men want to prove themselves. Votes: 0

And if I look at my icebox, there's no way I'm sitting there looking like Gandhi. I mean, I don't have crickets in there and little green rice. No, I mean it's a pretty liberal icebox. It's all in there. Votes: 0

Artists die twice. First creatively. Then physically. The second one is the easiest. Votes: 0

Back there I could fly a gunship, I could drive a tank, I was in charge of million dollar equipment, back here I can't even hold a job PARKING CARS! Votes: 0

Boxing is the only sport where you have the audience coming right up to you and saying, "You Stink." And you got to deal with that. It's like being in front of the lions. Votes: 0

Children are the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. It hurts me to be away from them for a few hours. It really does. I love them and they're girls, so they know how to push my buttons. But I've learned a lot and I have to thank my wife for that. Votes: 0

Clichés are what good writing is all about. Because our lives are basically clichés. Votes: 0

Consider the source...Don't be a fool by listening to a fool. Votes: 0

Don't discuss your dreams. Pursue them! Votes: 0

Dreams cost nothing. They are free. The hard part is just keeping them going. Votes: 0

Eventually writing became more interesting to me than acting. Votes: 0

Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up. Votes: 0

Every generation, including mine, has to find their own heroes. Votes: 0

Every rep I did on chin-ups, on squats with 500 pounds, I never said, to myself, 'Oh, my God, another rep.' I said, 'Yes, another rep, because that will make my dream turn into a reality.' Votes: 0

Everybody has anger or regret in them one way or another. They all try different things to get it out. Some people go to psychiatrists. Some paint pictures. Some people talk it out. Votes: 0

Everyone has this conjecture that action films are somewhat less prestigious than dramatic films. Nothing could be further from the truth. I've done them both and this is hard and dangerous. Votes: 0

For every guy, there is an opportunity to be a lot better than he thought he could be. We can't all be the star of the team, but we can be a star in our life. That's where you set your goal. Votes: 0

Gangster is the truest friend I can ever ask for. Votes: 0

Going in one more round when you don't think you can that's what makes all the difference in your life. Votes: 0

I abused my body so much throughout my career that I am literally held together by glue. The stuff I took thickens the bones and reinforces the tendons. Votes: 0

I do believe that American should deal from strength. Votes: 0

I don't fall into the physical manifestation of a man of letters. So I guess people assume the scripts are delivered to me under the door. Votes: 0

I feel that America is like a child that grew up so strong and so fast and so tall that it became self-conscious about its size and started to stoop over so as not to offend anyone. Votes: 0

I just want to say that, all you do, no matter how bad your diet is, for the first six months or year, I just reduce the amount, even if it's horrible stuff. That you can deal with it. Votes: 0

I keep trying to tell people. I said, at 40, 45, you're at that crossroads. You really are there. And it's not like you can have gain without pain, but this is it. The days are - like when I wrote this whole thing about, in the beginning of my first magazine. I said, "If you live to be 75 years old, that's 3,900 weekends. That's it." Votes: 0

I know I'm incredibly unpredictable, and that's the only thing I'm sure of. Votes: 0

I know people get upset and go, 'They're going to take away the assault weapon'. But who needs an assault weapon? Like, really, unless you're carrying out an assault. Votes: 0

I love being verbal in films. Votes: 0

I never started out to be an action actor. I was an ensemble actor. Votes: 0

I never started out to be an action actor. I was an ensemble actor. "Rocky" was an ensemble film. "F.I.S.T." was an ensemble. "Paradise Alley" was an ensemble. Votes: 0

I really am a manifestation of my own fantasy. Votes: 0

I really have very little aspirations about acting because I think that probably the best things have come and gone. I would like to focus on writing and directing. I love writing and directing even though writing can be incredibly painful and lonely. I get great satisfaction from doing it. Votes: 0

I started out as an actor, but I forced myself to be a writer, even though I wasn't very good at it and had never written. I don't think I ever passed an English course in my life. My first eight to 10 scripts were pretty horrendous, but I stayed at it, stayed at it, and stayed at it, until I eventually found a voice and a subject like Rocky that people were interested in. Votes: 0

I tell people diets don't work. And I don't care what they say. I have tried them all. Votes: 0

I think everyone has questions in their mind. Did they do their very best? Votes: 0

I think I came along at an opportune time. I don't know if that would happen anymore, because the whole way of doing business in Hollywood has changed. Votes: 0

I think I'm a much better painter than an actor. Votes: 0

I think there's a kind of built-in arrogance to anyone who considers themself an artist. They want to feel as though like they can run the whole spectrum. "I can do it all. I can do minimalism, and I can do classical art." Well, that's not true. Votes: 0

I think there's something about being a neophyte that's refreshing and hard to duplicate; it brings about real innovation. Innovation usually comes about through blind ignorance. Votes: 0

I try to tell people that just because you're buff and cut doesn't mean you're healthy. Votes: 0

I wanted to show I had balls at age 60. Votes: 0

I wanted to show I had balls at age 60. Just because society says I'm old, doesn't mean that I am. I'm pursuing happiness, even if it makes the people around me unhappy. Votes: 0

I watch a lot of news, and I watch musical shows because I think the music of the young people is really their news reports. They let you know how their country is going through their eyes, and about their experiences in the everyday shock of growing up. Votes: 0

I wish my daughters would box. I'm so worried about the guys coming up to them. I would love them to be able to smack a guy right off a bar stool. Votes: 0

I would never run for president. Votes: 0

I'd live in a museum if I could. I used to spend hours and hours in the Museum of Modern Art. Votes: 0

I'd rather do something I love badly than to feel bad about not doing something I love. Votes: 0

If I'd made it right away as an actor, I would've stopped at a certain level and stayed there, probably as a character actor. Votes: 0

If I'd succeeded right away at acting I wouldn't have sought out writing. Votes: 0

If it's not broken, break it. That's how new discoveries are made. That's why everything that changes life is called a breakthrough. Votes: 0

If you come into my house, I'm going to fight much more viciously to get you out than if we were on a neutral piece of land. Votes: 0

If you make exercise your hobby instead of your enemy it becomes your friend; it's the one thing that will never let you down. It will always be there for you and it will always make you better than you were before. Remember: every time you go to the gym, every time you put the right supplement in your mouth, you're better than you were ten minutes ago. [...] The irony is most people know what to do, they just don't do what they know. Votes: 0

I'm a big believer that, in life, we can't succeed in everything. Most times, we lose. Votes: 0

I'm a patriot of the heart. Votes: 0

I'm astounded by people who take eighteen years to write something. That's how long it took that guy to write Madame Bovary, and was that ever on the best-seller list? Votes: 0

I'm more focused and have a greater sense of challenge, because I constantly feel the weight of time. Votes: 0

I'm perceived to be this solitary character, but nothing could be further from the truth. Votes: 0

I'm the Hiroshima of love. Votes: 0

I'm usually taken for a non-intellectual, a person of limited intelligence. I don't know why, but I figure it's because physically I don't look intelligent. Votes: 0

In fact, every day I'll read a chapter of some art book. I don't know why. It's just a habit. Votes: 0

In Philadelphia, there's no delineation, they address me as Rocky, for real. They'll say things like: "Rocky, do you like this coat?" Or: "Rock, say hi to my sister." Or: "Yo Rock, I know a great restaurant." There's no Sylvester. Even the Mayor goes: "It's good to have Rocky here today." Votes: 0

It's funny because when Jason [Statham] was drowning I was filming with an iPhone. It may have been a bit insensitive but I just thought, "you know what, this was a magic moment". And I couldn't help him anyway because I didn't want to drown. Votes: 0

It's great the way the old-time directors used to manipulate the hell out of you. You see someone dying and all of a sudden a ghost would come out and they go walking hand in hand up the stairway. Votes: 0

I've always boxed a certain way. But with Rocky, the character himself had to be kind of awkward. So I had to learn to fight that way. Votes: 0

I've always said that the artist dies twice. And the first death is the hardest which is the career death, the creative death. The physical death is an inevitability. Votes: 0

I've done my "mind over matter" movies, and I think probably that people aren't really interested in seeing me do that anymore. I think I'm kind of past my prime to do dramatic films. I think it'd become kind of like almost a pathetic cry out to be recognized as a serious drama actor. Votes: 0

I've had a lot of operations. I'm kind of like Franken-actor. Votes: 0

I've made a lot of career mistakes. A lot. Actually, a lot of personal ones, too. Votes: 0

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Votes: 0

Life's not about how hard of a hit you can give... it's about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward. Votes: 0

Lighting can bring out certain contours in the body, in the face, in the eyes, that otherwise flat lighting couldn't. Votes: 0

Movies are a whole different ball-game, now. It's much more of a business - very scientific. Votes: 0

Movies are the work of a collective conscious. It takes 500-800 people on a movie to complete a vision. Votes: 0

No one will hit you harder than life itself. It doesn't matter how hard you hit back. It's about how much you can take, and keep fighting, how much you can suffer and keep moving forward. That's how you win. Votes: 0

No one's life is totally morbid. Even on a subtle scale there's little flashes of enlightenment and of happiness and joy. Votes: 0

Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are! Votes: 0

Now if you know what you're worth. Then go out and get what you're worth. Votes: 0

Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! Votes: 0

Often people going into directing want to learn as much as they possibly can about "technique." And I say the hell with that. Votes: 0

Once I stopped trying to always do everything my way, and once I asked for God's help, things have truly gone a different direction. Votes: 0

Plan B. You've always got to have a Plan B. Votes: 0

Racing's very much like the world of acting. You have your front runners and you have guys that are there for the long race, and you have other guys that block for other people, that are called supporting and character actors. It's all the same kind of situation. Votes: 0

Real love is when you become selfless and you are more concerned about your mate's or children's egos than your own. You're now a giver instead of a taker. Votes: 0

Remember the mind is your best muscle...BIG ARMS can move rocks, but BIG WORDS can move mountains... Ride the brain train for success.... Votes: 0

Rocky is a very predictable movie. The ending is a foregone conclusion. Votes: 0

'Rocky' represents the optimistic side of life, and 'Rambo' represents purgatory. Votes: 0

Rocky would definitely run for councilman. Maybe mayor. But these people are actually most effective in the family unit. That's where they shine. Votes: 0

Some people maybe try to justify their laziness. You take out what you put in and the more I go to church and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus, and to listening to his word and have him guide my hand I feel the pressure's off me. Votes: 0

Sometimes I write with music on, and if I'm in a good flow, I don't even hear it. Votes: 0

Sometimes when I don't want to cry, I cry. And when I want to I can't. It's subconscious. Like sexual performance. Votes: 0

Study people's success stories hard. Study their failures even harder. Votes: 0

The champion's management says let's do this for real, for charity. Rocky says no but decides to be true to himself even though he's going to be berated by everyone. Just to compete, not to win. Votes: 0

The character of Rocky was built on the idea that he was chosen to do something. That's why the first image in Rocky is the picture of Christ. Votes: 0

The church is the gym of the soul. Votes: 0

The idea that boxing lends itself to cinema so well is because it's usually a morality play - good against evil, insecurity and triumph, fear strikes out, so the audience can really get drawn into the drama of it. Also, it was sensual and very primal. I think subliminaly we do two things - life is a fight, life is a struggle and we understand that from our early, early, early ancestors, and life is a race. Votes: 0

The man who can best gets along with women, is the man who can get along without them. Votes: 0

The more I go to church and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus and listening to His Word and having Him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off me now. Votes: 0

The older I get the more things I gotta leave behind. Votes: 0

The one thing in my films, I only kill people who need to be killed, or killers killing killers. And I believe that the violence is very justifiable. Votes: 0

The problem is, your ego sometimes tells you that you can do many things. But sometimes it's best to stay focused and be honest with yourself. Votes: 0

The way to be successful in Hollywood is to be as obnoxious as the next guy. Votes: 0

The world meets nobody halfway. When you want something, you gotta take it. Votes: 0

There are endless exercises for arms, but the basics are best-chinups and pushups. Votes: 0

Through failure, I found different ways to reverse my problems and get into the mainstream of Hollywood. Votes: 0

To be really artful, though, you have to be subjective and so singular. Votes: 0

To me, the most perfect screenplay ever written will be one word, when you finally reduce it down to that. Until then, writing will be an imperfect form of communication. Votes: 0

Training and working in Philadelphia is a very unusual situation because that city does believe that Rocky is real. No one calls me Sylvester, it's Rocky. Votes: 0

Usually whenever you're scared of something, do it. If you're not afraid of it, don't do it. Votes: 0

We do two things in life: We race the clock and everything is a struggle. One way or not, it's a metaphorical battle all of the time. Votes: 0

We follow a certain pattern, a maze, if you will, every day, tracing our steps into certain districts and neighborhoods and back home. So it's easy for people to relate to clichés. That's why comedy routines are based on mutual experiences of clichés. Votes: 0

When crossing someone's borders you have to be prepared to engage in a war that is far more brutal than if it were to take place on neutral territory. Votes: 0

When I tried to play characters that strayed from who I am it ended in disaster. People didn't expect me in comedies or musicals. Votes: 0

When I was cognizant of the war, I was very angry at the street-corner liberals who were trying to defame the footsoldier. Because there was a man who had no choice. He was a cog in the wheel, just trying to survive. I was always aware of that. Votes: 0

When life hits you pretty hard, you can go into a dark corner. Votes: 0

When people meet me, they're often surprised - I talk a great deal. Votes: 0

When you are young, you often think that the world spins around you. You think you can do anything, can take the world on your shoulders. Votes: 0

When you find the right components in your life, the right people, that gel with you, then you feel as though you're invincible. It may be a fallacy, but you at least feel as though you can take all that life has to dish out. Votes: 0

When you're an actor, you're a slave to other people's visions. Votes: 0

When you're pushed killing is as easy as breathing Votes: 0

Whenever I don't get injured, the film is a dud. I didn't bleed on 'Rhinestone.' I didn't bleed on 'Stop! Or My Mom will Shoot.' Votes: 0

Without the church it's like having a boat without the rudder. You think you can do it on your own and this may sound pedestrian or trite but I'll equate it to this: all my life I've been involved with exercise but no matter how much - and I know a great deal about the body - you need help. You need a trainer. You need to go to a gym and you need to have the expertise and the guidance of someone else. You cannot train yourself. I feel the same way about Christianity and what the church is. The church is the gym of the soul. Votes: 0

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Votes: 0

You can actually alter a person's perception when they're that young. I mean, it can affect them in a very positive way. Votes: 0

You cannot train yourself. I feel the same way about Christianity and about what the church is: The church is the gym of the soul. Votes: 0

You have to be really loyal to the people that supported you when you were coming up. Votes: 0

You have to grab life by the throat and squeeze before it grabs you by your neck and breaks it. Own your destiny. Votes: 0

Your spiritual sense will make you either a winner or a loser. Votes: 0

You're a disease. And I'm the cure. Votes: 0

You've got to show your soul otherwise you're just a piece of equipment. Votes: 0