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'
Strange & Unusual 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'
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I am a slave to my art.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal philosophy
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

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

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal belief
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Imagination means nothing without doing.

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal philosophy
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

We think too much and feel too little.

1940 — From his speech in 'The Great Dictator'
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

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

1940 — From his speech in 'The Great Dictator'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

Unknown — Often attributed to him, widely quoted
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

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

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal philosophy
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

Unknown — Often attributed to him, widely quoted
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

1964 — From his autobiography, 'My Autobiography'
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

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

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal trait
Strange & Unusual 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
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

Unknown — Reported saying, often attributed as a personal identity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable