John Wayne

Actor, Director

John Wayne was a legendary American actor known for his roles in Western films, embodying themes of courage and individualism.

Born
May 26, 1907
Died
June 11, 1979
Quotes
133
Rank
#3269

About John Wayne

John Wayne — Life and Legacy

John Wayne, an iconic figure in American cinema, is best known for his roles in Westerns that epitomized rugged masculinity and individualism. His portrayal of characters who faced adversity with courage has left a lasting impact on film and culture. Wayne's worldview is encapsulated in his belief that 'Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway,' reflecting his understanding that true bravery involves confronting fears rather than avoiding them. Wayne's quotes often reveal a philosophy centered on personal responsibility and integrity. For instance, he stated, 'A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do,' which emphasizes the necessity of making tough choices and standing firm in one's convictions. This perspective not only shaped his characters but also resonated with audiences who admired his straightforward approach to life's challenges. Today, Wayne's quotes continue to inspire those who value resilience and self-reliance. His ability to articulate the struggles of the human experience, combined with his larger-than-life persona, ensures that his legacy endures, reminding us of the importance of courage and authenticity in our own lives.

Quote collection

John Wayne quotes (page 1 of 7)

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

John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"The reason there are so many stupid people is because it's illegal to kill them."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"All battles are fought by scared men who'd rather be some place else."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"I have found a certain type calls himself a Liberal...Now I always thought I was a Liberal. I came up terribly surprised one time when I found out that I was a Right-Wing Conservative Extremist, when I listened to everybody's point of view that I ever met, and then decided how I should feel. But this so-called new Liberal group, Jesus, they never listen to your point of view."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"I'd like to know why well-educated idiots keep apologizing for lazy and complaining people who think the world owes them a living."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"A friend of mine told me to shoot first and ask questions later. I was going to ask him why, but I had to shoot him."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Very few of the so-called liberals are open-minded.... They shout you down and won't let you speak if you disagree with them."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Government has no wealth, and when a politician promises to give you something for nothing, he must first confiscate that wealth from you -- either by direct taxes, or by the cruelly indirect tax of inflation."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"I believe in white supremacy, until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don't believe giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people ... I don't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from [the Native Americans] ... Our so-called stealing of this country from them was just a matter of survival. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Male menopause is a lot more fun than female menopause. With female menopause you gain weight and get hot flashes. Male menopause ? you get to date young girls and drive motorcycles."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Women have the right to work wherever they want, as long as they have the dinner ready when you get home."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"I didn't vote for him, but he's my President, and I hope he does a good job."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"Watergate is a sad and tragic incident in our history. They were wrong, dead wrong, those men at Watergate. Men abused power, but the system still works. Men abused money, but the system still works. Men lied and perjured themselves, but the system still ."

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John Wayne Actor, Director
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"True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done."

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