Bertolt Brecht

Playwright, Poet

Bertolt Brecht was a German playwright and poet known for his innovative contributions to theater, particularly the concept of 'epic theater.'

Born
February 10, 1898
Died
August 14, 1956
Quotes
197
Rank
#198

About Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht — Life and Legacy

Bertolt Brecht was a pivotal figure in 20th-century theater, renowned for his development of 'epic theater' and his critical approach to social and political issues. His works, such as 'The Threepenny Opera' and 'Mother Courage and Her Children,' challenge audiences to confront the realities of their society rather than escape into fiction. Brecht's philosophy emphasized the importance of alienation, urging viewers to engage critically with the performance and reflect on their own lives. One of his notable quotes, 'Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it,' encapsulates his belief that theater should serve as a catalyst for social change. By using techniques that disrupted traditional narrative forms, Brecht sought to provoke thought and inspire action. His legacy endures as his ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about art's role in society and the power of truth in storytelling.

Quote collection

Bertolt Brecht quotes (page 1 of 10)

197 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn't seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour, of rent, of medicines all depend on political decisions. He even prides himself on his political ignorance, sticks out his chest and says he hates politics. He doesn't know, the imbecile, that from his political non-participation comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, corrupt officials, the lackeys of exploitative multinational corporations."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"There are men who struggle for a day and they are good. There are men who struggle for a year and they are better. There are men who struggle many years, and they are better still. But there are those who struggle all their lives: These are the indispensable ones."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"He who fights, can lose. He who doesn't fight, has already lost."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Nowadays, anyone who wishes to combat lies and ignorance and to write the truth must overcome at least five difficulties. He must have the courage to write the truth when truth is everywhere opposed; the keenness to recognize it, although it is everywhere concealed; the skill to manipulate it as a weapon; the judgment to select those in whose hands it will be effective; and the running to spread the truth among such persons."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Don't expect the theatre to satisfy the habits of its audience, but to change them."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"The first time it was reported that our friends were being butchered there was a cry of horror. Then a hundred were butchered. But when a thousand were butchered and there was no end to the butchery, a blanket of silence spread. When evil-doing comes like falling rain, nobody calls out "stop!" When crimes begin to pile up they become invisible. When sufferings become unendurable the cries are no longer heard. The cries, too, fall like rain in summer."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Who does Not Know the Truth, is simply a Fool... Yet who Knows the Truth and Calls it a Lie, is a Criminal."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"General, your tank is a powerful vehicle It smashes down forests and crushes a hundred men. But it has one defect: It needs a driver. General, your bomber is powerful. It flies faster than a storm and carries more than an elephant. But it has one defect: It needs a mechanic. General, man is very useful. He can fly and he can kill. But he has one defect: He can think."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Love is also like a coconut which is good while it is fresh, but you have to spit it out when the juice is gone, what's left tastes bitter."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"It is not enough to demand insight and informative images of reality from the theater. Our theater must stimulate a desire for understanding, a delight in changing reality."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Would it not be simpler If the Government dissolved the people and elected another?"

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Some party hack decreed that the people had lost the government's confidence and could only regain it with redoubled effort. If that is the case, would it not be simpler, If the government simply dissolved the people And elected another?"

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"In the dark times Will there also be singing? Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times."

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Bertolt Brecht Playwright, Poet
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"Those who take the most from the table, teach contentment. Those for whom the taxes are destined, demand sacrifice. Those who eat their fill, speak to the hungry, of wonderful times to come. Those who lead the country into the abyss, call ruling difficult, for ordinary folk."

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