Nigel Kneale Quotes

Powerful Nigel Kneale for Daily Growth

About Nigel Kneale

Nigel Kneale (1922-2003) was an influential British writer best known for his pioneering work in science fiction television. Born on November 20, 1922, in Leicester, England, Kneale grew up in a creative environment, with his father being a drama critic and novelist. This early exposure to literature and theater significantly influenced his career choices. Kneale began his professional writing career as a journalist, working for the BBC during World War II. It was here that he found his passion for television, crafting scripts for newsreels and documentaries. His first major foray into science fiction came with the creation of "The Quatermass Experiment" (1953), a serial drama about a rocket mission that goes disastrously wrong. The series was such a success that it spawned two subsequent Quatermass productions: "Quatermass II" (1955) and "Quatermass and the Pit" (1958). Throughout his career, Kneale continued to explore complex themes of science, technology, and their impact on society. His works often featured a blend of the mundane and the supernatural, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of reality. Some other notable works include "The Year of the Sex Olympics" (1968), "Beasts" (1976), and the unproduced screenplay for "The Stone Tape." Kneale's contributions to science fiction television are immeasurable, with his ideas and storytelling techniques influencing generations of writers and creators. He passed away on November 28, 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to captivate audiences today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The monster has always been us."

Nigel Kneale's quote, "The monster has always been us," is a profound reflection on human nature. It suggests that often, the things we fear or label as monstrous within ourselves, in others, or in society are simply manifestations of our darker instincts and imperfections. This quotation serves as a reminder that humanity's greatest adversaries may stem from within, whether it be greed, hatred, or prejudice, encouraging empathy, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of human nature and the need for personal growth and societal change.

"Man is a legend made flesh."

The quote "Man is a legend made flesh" by Nigel Kneale suggests that humans are more than just biological entities; we embody stories, beliefs, myths, and legends. It implies that our lives and actions carry symbolic significance beyond the physical realm, reflecting cultural narratives and archetypes. This perspective invites us to contemplate the complex interplay of reality and narrative in human existence.

"We create our own demons and then we have to live with them."

This quote suggests that humans have a propensity to bring about their own problems, fears, or challenges through actions, decisions, or beliefs - essentially, creating 'demons' in our lives. These demons can represent various aspects of difficulty, from personal struggles to societal issues. Once these demons are created, we must confront and live with the consequences, demonstrating that our actions have lasting impacts on our lives and the world around us. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness, responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making in our daily lives.

"In the end, they will remember not how bravely you fought, but how frequently you smiled."

This quote by Nigel Kneale underscores the significance of maintaining a positive outlook in life, even amidst adversity. The implication is that while achievements and acts of courage are important, they may eventually be forgotten. However, the impact of kindness, joy, and a warm smile can linger long after the deed itself, leaving a lasting impression on others' hearts and memories. Essentially, the quote suggests that happiness and warmth shared with others can create a more enduring legacy than mere bravery alone.

"The real monsters are always the people."

This quote by Nigel Kneale suggests that human beings, not fictional monsters or entities, are often the greatest sources of fear, danger, and harm in the world. It's a reflection on how humans can exhibit cruelty, greed, and other destructive behaviors towards each other. The implication is that we should pay closer attention to these aspects within ourselves and society, as they pose far greater threats than any mythical creature could ever do.

The trick is the paradox - turning your story inside out. Now if it is something that appears to be of total normality and then suddenly turns inside out and is a different thing all together then that's fun to write.

- Nigel Kneale

Trick, Your, Appears, Normality

I never really saw myself as writing science fiction anyway.

- Nigel Kneale

Myself, Never, Fiction, Science Fiction

The only folk I can judge are people like Woody Allen who I think is a genius, largely because I think he has beaten the system. He has his own company, and his films are all his own ideas. It's his direction, and so it comes out the way he imagined it.

- Nigel Kneale

Own, I Think, Allen, Woody

Something like The Haunting is not worth the slightest consideration from me.

- Nigel Kneale

Me, Like, Haunting, Consideration

Nothing could be recorded in those days except by aiming a movie camera at the television screen. It was at least another 10 years before they had any kind of recording medium.

- Nigel Kneale

Movie, Could, Before, Aiming

I reckon I closed down at least two films companies, one of which was in Ealing in the mid 1950s.

- Nigel Kneale

Which, Films, Least, Closed

People who believe in flying saucers are the scrapings from the bottom.

- Nigel Kneale

People, Believe, Bottom, Flying

I'm in my 80s and not a keen television fan.

- Nigel Kneale

Television, Fan, Keen

You set up a story and it turns inside out and that is, for me, the most exciting sort of story to write. The viewer thinks it's going to be about something and it does the opposite.

- Nigel Kneale

Going, Set, Viewer, Thinks

You get to Hollywood and you are in the land of big money where they don't like to see only one screenwriter's name. It's much better if you've got four or five.

- Nigel Kneale

Big, Hollywood, Screenwriter, Big Money

I don't judge other people's work and I don't see enough of it either.

- Nigel Kneale

See, Other, Either, Judge

Big Brother sounded like a silly stunt and that's what it is.

- Nigel Kneale

Big, Big Brother, Stunt, Silly

I wanted to write a story that demanded the viewer's attention.

- Nigel Kneale

Attention, Write, Wanted, Viewer

All stories should have some honesty and truth in them, otherwise you're just playing about.

- Nigel Kneale

Some, Stories, Otherwise, Honesty

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