Portrait of Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin

Silent film legend

Modern influential 154 sayings

Sayings by Charlie Chaplin

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.

1964 — From his autobiography, 'My Autobiography'
Political Confirmed

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

Unknown, but often quoted in reference to his character — Describing his character, 'The Tramp'
Inspirational Unverifiable

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

Unknown, but frequently cited — Often attributed to him, widely quoted
Wisdom Confirmed

I am a slave to my art.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal philosophy
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

The mirror is my best friend because when I cry, it never laughs.

Unknown — Often attributed to him, though its exact origin is debated
Wisdom Confirmed

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

Unknown — Often attributed to him, widely quoted
Life & Death Confirmed

I don't believe in the supernatural. I believe in the natural.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal belief
Inspirational Unverifiable

Imagination means nothing without doing.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal philosophy
Art & Creativity Confirmed

We think too much and feel too little.

1940 — From his speech in 'The Great Dictator'
Wisdom Confirmed

More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.

1940 — From his speech in 'The Great Dictator'
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

Unknown — Often attributed to him, widely quoted
Wisdom Confirmed

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

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal philosophy
Wisdom Unverifiable

The world is a tragedy for those who feel, but a comedy for those who think.

Unknown — Often attributed to him, a variation of his 'long-shot/close-up' quote
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

Unknown, but likely early career — Often quoted, describing his early filmmaking approach
Wisdom Confirmed

I like the people. I like to be around them. I like to make them laugh.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal motivation
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

Unknown — Often attributed to him, widely quoted
Inspirational Unverifiable

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

1964 — From his autobiography, 'My Autobiography'
Art & Creativity Confirmed

I have no patience with people who take themselves too seriously.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal trait
Wisdom Unverifiable

The human race is a wonderful race. It's only the individuals who are terrible.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a humorous observation
Wisdom Unverifiable

I'm a clown, and I'm proud of it.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal identity
Wisdom Unverifiable
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