Charlie Chaplin is best-known as a comedian, but the following quotes reveal his serious side:
“I don’t want to be an emperor—that’s not my business. I don’t want to conquer anyone. I’d like to help everyone. Human beings are like that: We want to live by each other’s happiness. We don’t want to despise each other. In this world, there’s room for everyone, (because) the Earth is rich, and can provide for every one!”
“Life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost our way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls. It has barricaded the world with hatred, misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we’ve shut ourselves in!”
“Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machines, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without them, life will be violent—and all will be lost.”
“To those who can hear me, do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, and the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. Man’s hatred will pass, dictators die—and the power they took from the people will be returned to them. But, even as men die, liberty will never perish.”
“In the name of democracy, let us fight for a new world—that gives men a chance to work, youth a future, and old age security. Let us fight to free the world, and do away with barriers, greed, hatred and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason—where science and progress will lead to man’s happiness!”
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