Portrait of Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin

Silent film legend

Modern influential 154 sayings

Sayings by Charlie Chaplin

However, he is not above picking up cigarette-butts or robbing a baby of its candy. And, of course, if the occasion warrants it, he will kick a lady in the rear—but only in extreme anger!

1964 — From 'My Autobiography', describing the Tramp character to Mack Sennett
General Unverifiable

Life is a beautiful, magnificent thing! Even to a jellyfish!

1952 — From his film 'Limelight'
Life & Aging Unverifiable

Making fun is serious business.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Work & Money Unverifiable

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

Undated — Various attributed sources
General Unverifiable

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

Undated — Various attributed sources
Life & Aging Unverifiable

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

1952 — Reported statement after his re-entry permit was revoked
Self-Deprecating Confirmed

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

1964 — From 'My Autobiography', describing his arrival in America
Relationships Unverifiable

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.

1964 — From 'My Autobiography'
General Unverifiable

I remain just one thing, and one thing only -- and that is a clown.

Undated — Various attributed sources
General Unverifiable

It takes courage to make a fool of yourself.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Life & Aging Unverifiable

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

Undated — Various attributed sources
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Let us strive for the impossible.

Undated — Various attributed sources
General Unverifiable

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

Undated — Various attributed sources
General Unverifiable

The deeper the truth in a creative work, the longer it will live.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I am a gentleman. I am a poet. I am a dreamer. But I am also a survivor.

1985 — Reported in 'Chaplin: His Life and Art' by David Robinson
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I have no faith in anything but the power of the individual.

1985 — Reported in 'Chaplin: His Life and Art' by David Robinson
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Man as an individual is a genius. But men in the mass are fools.

Unknown — Attributed, often cited
General Unverifiable

To help a child, you must understand his fears.

Unknown — Attributed, widely quoted
General Unverifiable

The world is a beautiful place, and it's worth fighting for.

1940 — Speech from 'The Great Dictator'
General Unverifiable

I don't believe in art. I believe in artists.

Unknown — Attributed, often cited
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable
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