Quotes from Garson Kanin

As is the case with all original creators, Charles Chaplin's working life was an amalgam of arrogant self-confidence and deflating self-doubt.

There are thousands of causes for stress, and one antidote to stress is self-expression. That's what happens to me every day. My thoughts get off my chest, down my sleeves and onto my pad.

A man ninety years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. I reckon, he said, with a twinkle in his eye, it because most nights I went to bed and slept when I should have sat up and worried.

The best part of one's life is the working part, the creative part. Believe me, I love to succeed... However, the real spiritual and emotional excitement is in the doing.

The use of talent is far more important than the possession of talent.

I want everybody to be smart. As smart as they can be. A world of ignorant people is too dangerous to live in.

Katharine Hepburn is tall—not as tall as she thinks she is, but tall.

To all the dumb chumps and all the crazy broads, past, present and future--who thirst for knowledge--and search for truth--who fight for justice--and civilize each other--and make it so tough for sons of bitches like you--and you--and me.

You know how we say in Wisconsin: 'Do right and fear no man; don't write and fear no woman!

She looked Spencer over, tip to toe, as though she were considering buying him. Then she smiled her friendliest smile and said, "You're rather short, aren't you?" "Don't worry honey," said Mankiewicz, trying desperately to extinguish Spencer's glare. "He'll cut you down to size.

When art critics get together they talk about Content, Style, Trend and Meaning, but when painters get together they talk about where can you get the best turpentine.

I have three superlative assets. (Four, really. But there is one I prefer not to go into at this time.) First, my legs. Looking at them objectively—as I often do—I consider them as good as any. They are outstanding right from the pelvic region to the toes. Thighs, knees (back and front), calves, ankles, feet, toes—all have been the subjects of spoken as well as unspoken praise.

So as far as chests go, whatever you're going to have there, you'll have there. In time. Sub-nubbins, nubbins, boopers, or super-droopers." I made her repeat the categories until I had committed them to memory.

Books are men of higher stature; the only men that speak aloud for future times to hear.

Amateur feed on hope. Professionals work.

Amateurs hope. Professional work.

In a professional once engaged the performance of the job comes first.

Amateurs hope. Professionals work.

Whenever I'm asked what college I attended I'm tempted to reply Thornton Wilder'.