Quotes by Bertolt Brecht

About Bertolt Brecht:

Bertolt Brecht was a German poet, playwright, and theatre director of the 20th century. He made contributions to dramaturgy and theatrical production, the latter through the tours undertaken by the Berliner Ensemble – the post-war theatre company operated by Brecht and his wife, long-time collaborator and actress Helene Weigel.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes

Bertolt Brecht

Such a lot is won when even a single man gets to his feet and says No

Bertolt Brecht

Epitaph Den Tigern ertrann ich Die Wanzen nährte ich Aufgefressen wurde ich Von den Mittelmäßigkeiten.

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

What are you working on?” Mr. K. was asked. Mr. K. replied: “I’m having a hard time; I’m preparing my next mistake.

Bertolt Brecht

The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error.

Bertolt Brecht

He says he'd like to kiss the ground you walk on-reminds me, did you wash them yesterday?- and after that you're his skivvy.

Bertolt Brecht

The war which is coming Is not the first one. There were Other wars before it. When the last one came to an end There were conquerors and conquered. Among the conquered the common people Starved. Among the conquerors The common people starved too.

Bertolt Brecht

Hatred of oppression still distorts the features, Anger at injustice still makes voices raised and ugly. Oh we, who wished to lay for the foundations for peace and friendliness, Could never be friendly ourselves.

Bertolt Brecht

On a certain day in the blue-moon month of September Beneath a young plum tree, quietly I held her there, my quiet, pale beloved In my arms just like a graceful dream. And over us in the beautiful summer sky There was a cloud on which my gaze rested ...

Bertolt Brecht

What is robbing a bank compared to founding one?

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

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

Bertolt Brecht

Author Bio

  • NameBertolt Brecht
  • DescriptionGerman poet, playwright, and theatre director
  • BornFebruary 10, 1898
  • DiedAugust 14, 1956
  • CountryGermany; Austria; East Germany
  • ProfessionPlaywright; Lyricist; Screenwriter; Film Director; Poet; Writer; Librettist
  • WorksThe Threepenny Opera; Life Of Galileo; The Caucasian Chalk Circle
  • AwardsNational Prize Of East Germany