Donald Freed Quotes

Powerful Donald Freed for Daily Growth

About Donald Freed

Donald Freed (1939-2018) was an American playwright, screenwriter, director, and novelist whose prolific career spanned over five decades. Born on March 25, 1939, in the Bronx, New York, Freed grew up in a Jewish family with strong leftist leanings. This political background would significantly influence his work, particularly his plays that often tackled social and political issues. Freed attended Cornell University but left before graduating to join the Peace Corps. After serving in the Philippines, he returned to New York City and enrolled at the Actors Studio, where he studied under Lee Strasberg. This experience fostered Freed's interest in theater and led him to write his first play, "The Blood of Stones" (1963), a critical success that brought him into the orbit of prominent figures like Elia Kazan and Arthur Miller. In 1964, Freed co-wrote the screenplay for the film "Lilith," directed by Roth and starring Warren Beatty. This marked the beginning of his successful career in Hollywood. Some of his other notable works include the plays "The Beginning" (1968), which explores the effects of the Vietnam War on American families, and "The American Dream" (1970), a satirical take on the American political system. Freed's novels, such as "The Dispossessed" (1973) and "The Nuclear Family" (1986), also reflected his political beliefs and social concerns. Throughout his career, Freed was recognized with numerous awards, including two Obie Awards for Best New Play and a Writers Guild of America Award for his work on the television series "Roseanne." Donald Freed passed away in 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence contemporary theater and literature. His works remain relevant today, serving as poignant commentaries on the human condition and societal issues.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest joy you can know is the feeling that you want and are needed."

This quote highlights the profound satisfaction and happiness that comes from feeling desired and valued, having a purpose or role where we feel indispensable. It suggests that one of life's greatest joys comes from knowing that our presence and contributions matter to others, fostering a sense of belonging, significance, and fulfillment.


"The more you try to be happy with what you have instead of wanting more, the happier you will be."

This quote suggests that contentment comes from appreciating what one already has, rather than constantly desiring more. It implies that the pursuit of constant accumulation or acquisition does not necessarily lead to happiness, but rather finding joy in the present moment with what is currently available can contribute significantly to personal satisfaction and well-being. In essence, it encourages a mindset of gratitude and acceptance towards one's current circumstances as a pathway to lasting happiness.


"True love is like a dream; it seems impossible, yet it's the only thing you can't live without."

This quote implies that true love, much like an vivid dream, appears improbable or unattainable, yet it possesses an irresistible allure that one cannot function without. It suggests a deep emotional connection where the absence of love is as unfathomable as waking up from a cherished dream. The quote conveys both the elusive and essential nature of love in human experience.


"It's not about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself."

The quote by Donald Freed emphasizes that self-discovery isn't an innate process of uncovering a predetermined identity but rather a proactive journey of shaping oneself into who they want to become. It suggests that personal growth, development, and fulfillment come from actively creating one's own identity, goals, and values, rather than passively accepting or adapting to societal expectations or circumstances. In essence, it encourages individuals to take charge of their lives and make conscious decisions about who they choose to be in the world.


"Happiness is not an end goal; it's a byproduct of the journey that we are on."

This quote suggests that the pursuit of happiness should not be the ultimate destination or end goal, but rather a natural byproduct or consequence of our life's journey. It emphasizes that the process of living, growing, learning, loving, and striving towards personal goals is what truly contributes to overall well-being and contentment. The focus should be on experiencing life, making meaningful connections, and savoring the moments along the way rather than solely seeking a fixed state of happiness.


American future lies in the East. The great free markets of the Pacific Rim are the American destiny.

- Donald Freed

Destiny, East, Markets, Pacific

In politics, victory is never total.

- Donald Freed

Politics, Victory, Never, Total

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.