From the age of 13, I was attracted to physics and mathematics. My interest in these subjects derived mostly from popular science books that I read avidly. Early on I was fascinated by theoretical physics and determined to become a theoretical physic...
[Comedies], in the ancient world, were regarded as of a higher rank than tragedy, of a deeper truth, of a more difficult realization, of a sounder structure, and of a revelation more complete. The happy ending of the fairy tale, the myth, and the div...
You know, I was a kid who had difficulty speaking English when I first immigrated. But in my head, when I read a book, I spoke English perfectly. No one could correct my Spanish. And I think that I retreated to books as a way, you know, to be, like, ...
If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know ...
Ninety-nine per cent of traditional English literature concerns people who never have to worry about money at all. We always seem to be watching or reading about emotional crises among folk who live in a world of great fortune both in matters of luck...
[Stern brings a report to Schindler at lunchtime] Oskar Schindler: I could try to read this, or I could eat my lunch while it's still hot. We're doing well? Itzhak Stern: Yes. Oskar Schindler: Better this month than last? Itzhak Stern: Yes. Oskar Sch...
Adam: You can see us without the sheets? Lydia: Of course I can see you. Adam: Well, how is it you see us and nobody else can? Lydia: Well, I've read through that handbook for the recently deceased. It says: 'live people ignore the strange and unusua...
Dumb Football Player: Coach. Coach, where's the men's room? Juno: I'm not your coach! *He* survived. Dumb Football Player #2: Wait, coach, let me get something straight. What's our curfew around here? Juno: Will you get out of here! Go on, get downst...
[Evelyn Mulwray drives while Gittes reads an obituary from the newspaper] Jake Gittes: A memorial service was held at the Mar Vista Inn today for Jasper Lamar Crabb. He passed away two weeks ago. Evelyn Mulwray: Why is that unusual? Jake Gittes: He p...
Charles Foster Kane: Read the cable. Mr. Bernstein: "Girls delightful in Cuba. Stop. Could send you prose poems about scenery, but don't feel right spending your money. Stop. There is no war in Cuba, signed Wheeler." Any answer? Charles Foster Kane: ...
[last title cards] Title card: _In Cold Blood_ made Truman Capote the most famous writer in America. He never finished another book. Title card: The epigraph he chose for his last, unfinished work reads: "More tears are shed over answered prayers tha...
Major Strasser: We have a complete dossier on you: Richard Blaine, American, age 37. Cannot return to his country. The reason is a little vague. We also know what you did in Paris, Mr. Blaine, and also we know why you left Paris. [hands the dossier t...
Ace Rothstein: [voice-over; notices a couple of card counters] Now here's this guy reading the dealer's whole card and signaling his buddy at this table. [the signaler, using a small telegraph, types a morse code to his friend at the other table] Ace...
Donnie: [reading poem in class] "'A storm is coming,' Frank says. 'A storm that will swallow the children. And I will deliver them from the kingdom of Bane. I'll deliver the children back to their doorsteps. I'll send the monsters back to the undergr...
Hans: The following people are to be released from their captors: In Northern Ireland, the seven members of the New Provo Front. In Canada, the five imprisoned leaders of Liberte de Quebec. In Sri Lanka, the nine members of the Asian Dawn movement......
Klaatu: [after reading the Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln Memorial] Those are great words. Klaatu: [turns to look at the statue of Lincoln] He must have been a great man. Bobby Benson: Well sure. Klaatu: [walking out of the memorial, then turning ...
[after an old man gives them directions, Jonathan hands him a pack of cigarettes] Alex: What are you doing? Jonathan: For helping us. Alex: What? Jonathan: Well, I read in my guidebook that you can't find Marlboro cigarettes here so you should take t...
Pfc. William T. Santiago: P.S. In exchange for my transfer off the base, I am willing to provide you with information about... Col. Jessep: [reading Pfc. Santiago's letter to the NIS] information about an illegal fence-line shooting that took place t...
Dr. Wagner: You must protect her from any kind of excitement. And I do mean any kind, Mr. Kerner. Alexander Kerner: Any kind of excitement. Dr. Wagner: It would be life-threatening. Alexander Kerner: And this here? [Shows the doctor a newspaper readi...
Conrad: This is for you. Nicholas: You shouldn't have. Conrad: What do you get for the man who has... everything? Nicholas: [reading card] "Consumer Recreation Services." Well, I do have golf clubs. Conrad: Call that number. Nicholas: Why? Conrad: Ma...
Sheriff: [shows Tuco the wanted poster] So you're an honest farmer. You recognize this man? Tuco: Me? Sheriff: Yeah, it's you! Tuco: Hey, who said so, huh? You can't even read! [the Sheriff rolls up the poster] Tuco: Roll it up, roll it up! I'll give...
