I'll tell you something, and this is true: I've never been able to write a film which I didn't respect. I just can't do it. I'm very happy about all the films I haven't done.
Harold PinterRead
There was one man in the Labour government, Robin Cook, whom I had a very high regard for. He had the courage to speak out and to resign over Iraq. He was an admirable man. But resignation over a matter of principle is not a very fashionable thing in our society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the rarity of principled resignation in society.
Harold Pinter reflects on Robin Cook's decision to resign from the Labour government in protest against the Iraq war, emphasizing the commendable courage it takes to stand by oneβs principles. In a world where conformity often prevails, Cook's act of resignation serves as a reminder that upholding oneβs values can be a challenging but noble pursuit, even if it is not widely accepted or appreciated in society.
Themes
CouragePrincipleResignationIntegrityPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech about ethical leadership in politics.
More from Harold Pinter
All quotes βAll that happens is that the destruction of human beings - unless they're Americans - is called collateral damage.
Harold PinterRead
I do tend to think that I've written a great deal out of my unconscious because half the time I don't know what a given character is going to say next.
Harold PinterRead
I never think of myself as wise. I think of myself as possessing a critical intelligence which I intend to allow to operate.
Harold PinterRead
It's so easy for propaganda to work, and dissent to be mocked.
Harold PinterRead
There are places in my heart...where no living soul...has...or can ever...trespass.
Harold PinterRead
Similar quotes
Bravery shows up in everyday life when people have the courage to live their truth, their vision and their dreams.
Oprah WinfreyRead
A novel takes the courage of a marathon runner, and as long as you have to run, you might as well be a winning marathon runner. Serendipity and blind faith faith in yourself won't hurt a thing. All the bastards in the world will snicker and sneer because they haven't the talent to zip up their flies by themselves. To hell with them, particularly the critics. Stand in there, son, no matter how badly you are battered and hurt.
Leon UrisRead
I am not Christ or a philanthropist, old lady, I am all the contrary of a Christ I fight for the things I believe in, with all the weapons at my disposal and try to leave the other man dead so that I don't get nailed to a cross or any other place.
Che GuevaraRead
Go back?" he thought. "No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!" So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
I often say now I don't have any choice whether or not I have Parkinson's, but surrounding that non-choice is a million other choices that I can make.
Michael J. FoxRead
I donβt deny that there can be an element of escapism in mountaineering, but this should never overshadow its real essence, which is not escape but victory over your own human frailty.
Walter BonattiRead