25 Bertolt Brecht Quotes From the Famous Playwright and Poet

Fans of historical theatre and poetry will love these Bertolt Brecht quotes.

Eugen Berthold Friedrich Brecht, well-known as Bertolt Brecht, was a famous German poet, playwright, and theatre performer.

He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1898 and died in East Berlin, East Germany, in 1956 at the age of 58.

Brecht was first successful as a playwright in 1924 when he wrote The Threepenny Opera with Kurt Weill.

Brecht is well known for developing his “Epic theatre” by using the theatre as a forum for political ideas.

While his poetry and playwrights are part of his legacy, the fact that he contributed to social and political society through his work has become a large part of his legacy.

Take a few minutes to learn more about Brecht through these Bertolt Brecht quotes.

Best Bertolt Brecht Quotes

These are some of the best Bertolt Brecht quotes.

1. “Everyone needs help from everyone.” — Bertolt Brecht

2. “Poverty makes you sad as well as wise.” — Bertolt Brecht

3. “Why be a man when you can be a success?” — Bertolt Brecht

4. “Hungry man, reach for the book: it is a weapon.” — Bertolt Brecht

5. “No one will improve your lot if you do not yourself.” — Bertolt Brecht

6. “People remain what they are even if their faces fall apart.” — Bertolt Brecht

7. “Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.” — Bertolt Brecht

8. “Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.” — Bertolt Brecht

9. “Society cannot share a common communication system so long as it is split into warring factions.” — Bertolt Brecht

10. “The defeats and victories of the fellows at the top aren’t always defeats and victories for the fellows at the bottom.” — Bertolt Brecht

Wise Bertolt Brecht Quotes

Here are some wise Bertolt Brecht quotes.

11. “If you don’t have fun, you don’t have a show.” — Bertolt Brecht

12. “It’s all right to hesitate if you then go ahead.” — Bertolt Brecht

13. “There are many elements to a campaign. Leadership is number one.” — Bertolt Brecht

14. “He who fights can lose. He who doesn’t fight has already lost.” — Bertolt Brecht

15. “Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it.” — Bertolt Brecht

16. “Don’t expect the theatre to satisfy the habits of its audience, but to change them.” — Bertolt Brecht

17. “The world of knowledge takes a crazy turn when teachers themselves are taught to learn.” — Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht Quotes About Life

Enjoy these Bertolt Brecht quotes about life.

18. “In the contradiction lies the hope.” — Bertolt Brecht

19. “Love is the wish to give, not to receive.” — Bertolt Brecht

20. “I am a playwright. I show What I have seen.” — Bertolt Brecht

21. “Don’t accept the habitual as a natural thing.” — Bertolt Brecht

22. “You can’t write poems about trees when the woods are full of policemen.” — Bertolt Brecht

23. “Those against politics are in favor of the politics inflicted upon them.” — Bertolt Brecht

24. “I don’t like where I’m going, and I don’t like where I’ve been. Why am I in a hurry?” — Bertolt Brecht

25. “Though the rich of this earth find no difficulty in creating misery, they can’t bear to see it.” — Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht’s Personal Life

During the Nazi regime, Brecht fled Germany and lived in numerous places, including Scandinavia and the United States.

Brecht was married twice, with his second marriage lasting through his premature death of a heart attack.

He had five children from his marriages.

Please share these Bertolt Brecht quotes with your family and friends and post any comments about Brecht in the comment section below.