John Barrymore Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dramatic art is the greatest of all, for it ennobles mankind and beats swords into plowshares."

This quote by John Barrymore emphasizes the transformative power of dramatic art. He suggests that it has the capacity to elevate humanity, instilling virtues and encouraging empathy – qualities often necessary for peace and unity. By implication, he is saying that art, particularly drama, can serve a socially beneficial purpose by inspiring positive change and reducing conflict, as symbolized by turning swords into plowshares – a metaphor from the Bible meaning to transform weapons of war into tools of agriculture, fostering peace instead of violence.

"To be a great actor you have to be fearless. You have to be willing to go up where the light Quotes you, where the air is rarified and thin."

This quote by John Barrymore suggests that exceptional acting requires an absence of fear and a readiness to venture into challenging or demanding situations, symbolized as "going up where the light quotes you," to areas where the atmosphere is rarefied or thin. Essentially, he implies that great actors dare to explore the unknown, embrace risk, and push their boundaries to deliver captivating performances.

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They keep striving."

This quote by John Barrymore suggests that success is linked to persistent, continual action and effort. Successful individuals are those who don't rest on their laurels but instead continue to strive towards their goals, demonstrating perseverance and a relentless drive for progress. In essence, it implies that standing still or complacency can hinder one's chances of achieving success, as it is the active pursuit of objectives that ultimately leads to fulfillment and recognition.

"Oh, there are a great many actors who will give you all they've got - as long as it doesn't interfere with their dinner."

John Barrymore's quote emphasizes the discrepancy between an actor's commitment to their craft and their personal life priorities, suggesting that some actors may not be fully dedicated to their performances if it conflicts with their comfort or convenience, such as dinner time. It subtly criticizes those who prioritize personal needs over professional duties, revealing a certain level of disillusionment towards shallow acts of dedication in the acting profession.

"I would rather play a good part than be a good actor."

John Barrymore's quote emphasizes his preference for playing memorable, impactful roles over simply being a skilled performer. As an artist, he valued the depth and quality of the character he portrayed more than focusing on personal acting abilities alone. This sentiment underscores the idea that great performances stem from engaging with compelling characters rather than just honing technical skills.