ByQuotes

Bernard Levin Quotes

Powerful Bernard Levin for Daily Growth

About Bernard Levin

Bernard Levin (1928-2004), a versatile British journalist, writer, and broadcaster, was born on August 7, 1928, in London, England. Known for his incisive wit, erudition, and intellectual charisma, Levin's career spanned over five decades, making significant contributions to journalism, literature, and theater. Born to a Jewish family, Levin was educated at the University of Oxford, where he studied English Literature. His academic prowess earned him a scholarship to study at New College. Upon graduation, he joined The Guardian as a trainee journalist in 1950, eventually becoming its literary editor. In 1962, Levin moved to the Daily Mail and later the Sunday Times, where he gained prominence for his sharp-witted columns and reviews. His writings, often satirical and profoundly insightful, captured the zeitgeist of his times, making him a household name in Britain. Levin's major works include novels like "The Secret Vice" (1967), "The Philby Case" (1968), and "Aren't You Rather Young to be Writing Your Memoirs?" (1980). He also penned several plays, such as "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (1966) in collaboration with Tom Stoppard. In 1972, Levin was awarded the George Orwell Prize for Journalism for his critical analysis of British society. He also received numerous other accolades throughout his career. Despite his success, he remained a controversial figure due to his uncompromising stance on various issues. Bernard Levin's life and works continue to influence the literary landscape and journalistic discourse in Britain. His sharp intellect, wit, and incisive commentary remain an enduring legacy in British media. He passed away on December 10, 2004, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated and debated.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived and dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive and unrealistic."

This quote suggests that while lies are intentionally false statements, myths can be more dangerous because they are widely believed to be true despite being unrealistic or lacking evidence. Myths persist over time through repeated narratives, and their persuasive power can lead people to accept them as fact, even if they contradict reality. This can have significant consequences in various aspects of life, from politics to personal beliefs, hindering progress and preventing us from making informed decisions.

"Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months."

Bernard Levin's quote suggests that fashion, being constantly evolving, often leads to styles that are aesthetically displeasing due to their fleeting nature. The need to alter trends every half a year makes it difficult for any given style to be appreciated for its intrinsic beauty, as it is soon replaced by the next trend. This critique highlights the superficial and ephemeral aspects of fashion, which Levin finds intolerable.

"Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations."

Bernard Levin's quote emphasizes that journalism, at its core, is about revealing information that some parties wish to keep hidden or unspoken – fostering transparency and accountability in society. Beyond public relations, which often aims to present a favorable image or message, true journalism serves as an essential watchdog, ensuring that truth prevails over attempts at manipulation or suppression of information.

"The only thing more difficult and expensive than work is leisure."

This quote by Bernard Levin suggests that while work can be challenging and costly in terms of effort, resources, or time, leisure activities can also require similar effort and financial investment to fully enjoy them. In essence, he is pointing out that both work and leisure demand attention, commitment, and resources, and neither should be taken for granted or undervalued.

"It is easier to be noble when one has no money than when one has some."

This quote suggests that it may be simpler for an individual without wealth or financial resources to maintain a sense of nobility, morality, or integrity, as they are not faced with the temptation or pressure to compromise these values in pursuit of material gain. On the other hand, those who have some money might find it more challenging to remain noble due to the potential for wealth-related complications such as greed, corrupting influences, and compromised ethics.

Because tobacco is responsible for an impressive one-third of cancers, prevention efforts naturally begin with it.

- Bernard Levin

One-Third, Naturally, Tobacco

No amount of manifest absurdity... could deter those who wanted to believe from believing.

- Bernard Levin

Absurdity, Wanted, Amount, Deter

Once, when a British Prime Minister sneezed, men half a world away would blow their noses. Now when a British Prime Minister sneezes nobody else will even say 'Bless You'.

- Bernard Levin

Away, Noses, Half, Blow

Ask a man which way he is going to vote, and he will probably tell you. Ask him, however, why, and vagueness is all.

- Bernard Levin

Going, However, Which, Vote

What has happened to architecture since the second world war that the only passers-by who can contemplate it without pain are those equipped with a white stick and a dog?

- Bernard Levin

Pain, War, World War, Equipped

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.