Charlie Chaplin

Silent film legend

Modern influential 154 sayings

Sayings by Charlie Chaplin

Despair is a narcotic. It lulls the mind into indifference.

1940 — The Great Dictator (film dialogue, delivered by the Barber)
Controversial Unverifiable

I have no patience with people who are always complaining. Life is too short for that.

1974 — Interview, quoted in 'My Life in Pictures'
Controversial Unverifiable

The creative process is a mystery. I don't know how it works, and I don't want to know. I just want to do it.

1964 — My Autobiography
Controversial Unverifiable

I am for the people. I am for the common man. I am for the working class. I am for everyone who is struggling.

1930s-1940s — Interview, quoted in 'Chaplin: His Life and Art' by David Robinson, regarding his social views.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not a politician, I am an entertainer. My job is to make people laugh, to make them forget their troubles, to make them happy.

1950s — Statement during the McCarthy era, attempting to deflect political accusations.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.

1940s — Quote attributed to Chaplin, frequently cited
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe in the power of the individual to make a difference.

1974 — Interview, quoted in 'My Life in Pictures'
Controversial Unverifiable

The most beautiful things in the world are felt, not seen.

1930s — Quote attributed to Chaplin, frequently cited
Controversial Unverifiable

I have no regrets. I have lived my life the way I wanted to live it.

1974 — Interview, quoted in 'My Life in Pictures'
Controversial Unverifiable

The human race has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

1964 — My Autobiography
Controversial Unverifiable

I am an artist, not a propagandist.

1950s — Statement during the McCarthy era, attempting to deflect political accusations.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't believe in happy endings. I believe in realistic endings.

1974 — Interview, quoted in 'My Life in Pictures'
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a rebel. I always have been, and I always will be.

1964 — My Autobiography
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.

1950s — Quote attributed to Chaplin, frequently cited
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always been a loner. I don't need a lot of people around me to be happy.

1974 — Interview, quoted in 'My Life in Pictures'
Controversial Unverifiable

I have no religion. I believe in humanity.

1964 — My Autobiography
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a comedian, and my job is to make people laugh, even if it's at my own expense.

1974 — Interview, quoted in 'My Life in Pictures'
Controversial Unverifiable

Simplicity is a difficult thing to achieve.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Unverifiable

I suppose that's one of the ironies of life – doing the wrong thing at the right moment.

1947 — From his film 'Monsieur Verdoux'
Humorous Unverifiable

Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease from pain.

1940 — From 'Mr. Chaplin Answers His Critics'
Humorous Confirmed