"It is our duty to endeavor always to promote the general good; to do to all as we would be willing to be done by were we in their circumstances; to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God. These are some of the laws of nature which every man in the world is bound to observe, and which whoever violates exposes himself to the resentment of mankind, the lashes of his own conscience, and the judgment of Heaven. This plainly shows that the highest state of liberty subjects us to the law of nature and the government of God."
About Samuel West
Samuel West — Life and Legacy
Samuel West is a prominent British actor and director recognized for his nuanced performances that delve into the complexities of truth and identity. His work spans theater, television, and film, where he often portrays characters grappling with profound personal and societal issues. West's quote, 'The truth is not always easy to see,' encapsulates his belief that understanding oneself and the world requires courage and introspection. This perspective is evident in his performances, where he brings to life characters that challenge conventional narratives and reveal the intricacies of human experience. Through his art, West emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating that 'Vulnerability is strength.' This idea resonates deeply in his roles, showcasing how embracing one's true self can lead to richer, more meaningful connections with others. His commitment to exploring these themes not only enriches his performances but also invites audiences to reflect on their own identities and truths. Samuel West's quotes and performances remain relevant today, as they encourage a deeper understanding of the self and the complexities of human relationships, making his contributions to the arts both impactful and enduring.
Quote collection
Samuel West quotes (page 1 of 2)
27 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I did start reading quite young but I was always read to by my parents, who are both actors. Bedtime stories from when I was about two/three to when I was about 15. In fact they didn't stop until I eventually kind of kicked them out of my bedroom."
"It would've been hard to do something else, to as it were, run away from the circus and become an accountant."
"At heart, this job is about continuing to make great theatre for the people of Sheffield - a city I've known and loved since childhood."
"I'm not very good at relaxing. Reading's the main thing. On the bus, on the tube, on the loo. Literally all the time. I mean, I don't think there's a moment of the day when I wouldn't be if I was left alone."
"The idea that if you are very clever you shouldn't be an actor would be laughable in Russia."
"Books don't exist unless you read them. And it's a two way process - you write the book as you read it and you fill in the gaps. You discover it and you put the marks together and without you doing it they're just marks."
"We'll be back. I promise you that."
"Of course 'Hamlet' is a debate about the nature and morality of revenge and whether it is right to do something to assuage your angry feelings."
"Im lucky enough to work with, I think, the greatest writer theres ever been, Shakespeare. Whose collected works would always be under my pillow if I was only ever allowed one book to keep, and who never bores me."
"I mean I think children love the idea that there are different viewpoints and different words for things and different worlds. And the more that they pretend to be other people, the harder it is for them to hate them and misunderstand them when they grow up."
"Stamps from Afghanistan are hilarious. You can tell when the revolutions are because suddenly they stop having pictures of the mullahs and the independence monument and they start having fish on them."
"When people say, 'If I had my life over again I wouldn't do anything different,' well, I'd do everything differently just for the variety."
"What I do believe is theatre is a medium with a peculiar ability to air vital issues."
"What did my parents say when I told them I wanted to be an actor? 'Be a plumber.'"
"When you are in a bad production there are two things you can do. You can do your best or you can leave. I chose to do the third thing which was sulk."
"If you play a part that's been done before, on stage for instance, you feel like you're carrying a torch and staggering under the weight of it for a bit and then passing it on to somebody else."
"Most actors are socialists, aren't they?"
"My one remaining professional ambition is to read the shipping forecast. I live in hope."
"Shakespeare I love, but for an English graduate, I'm incredibly badly read."