Peter Gould Quotes

Powerful Peter Gould for Daily Growth

About Peter Gould

Peter Gould (born May 14, 1958) is an acclaimed American playwright, television writer, producer, and comic book author, best known for his work on the popular TV series "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off "Better Call Saul." Born in New York City, Gould was raised in Teaneck, New Jersey. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's degree in playwriting from Carnegie Mellon University. His theatrical works have been produced on Broadway and Off-Broadway, with notable plays such as "Coming Attractions," "Bus Stop at the End of the Universe," and "The Book Club Play." Gould's career took a significant turn when he was hired as a writer for the TV show "Law & Order" in 1998. This experience led him to collaborate with Vince Gilligan, another former "Law & Order" writer, on the creation of "Breaking Bad." Gould co-created the series and wrote numerous episodes, including the iconic "Fly," which won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. After "Breaking Bad," Gould teamed up with Gilligan again to develop "Better Call Saul," serving as a writer, producer, and occasional director on the show. The series has been praised for its complex characters and compelling storytelling, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Gould's work is heavily influenced by his love for character-driven stories and his keen eye for human behavior. His writing often explores themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of our actions. Despite his success in television, Gould continues to write plays and comic books, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It's a mistake not to trust survivors."

The quote by Peter Gould emphasizes the importance of trusting individuals who have survived difficult ordeals, implying that their experiences lend credibility and resilience. Survivors are those who have persevered against adversity, demonstrating strength and determination. Trusting them not only acknowledges these qualities but also opens up opportunities for learning from their experiences, fostering growth and understanding in the wider community.


"Compassion is the key to everything."

This quote by Peter Gould emphasizes the critical role that compassion plays in our interactions with others and the world at large. Compassion, as a deep awareness and sensitivity towards suffering, fosters empathy, understanding, and kindness. It is a fundamental human quality that bridges gaps, builds connections, and promotes harmony. By extending compassion to others, we create a more empathetic society, one where understanding replaces judgment, and love supersedes hate. In essence, compassion is the foundation for a better world.


"Sometimes it's better to keep our mouth shut and let people think we're stupid than open it and remove all doubt."

This quote suggests that it can be wise to avoid speaking unnecessarily, especially when one may not have a complete understanding of a situation or lack the ability to articulate a well-reasoned argument. By remaining silent in such instances, others might perceive us as simple-minded or ignorant, yet we maintain an element of mystery and potentially allow people to form incorrect assumptions about our intelligence or knowledge. In essence, Peter Gould is advocating for thoughtful speech over hasty, potentially damaging words.


"If you don't take care of your family, who will?"

The quote highlights the importance of taking care of one's family as they form the primary support system in life. It suggests that if we fail to nurture our familial relationships, there may be no other group to turn to for emotional, physical, or financial support. This underscores the significance of family bonds and emphasizes the responsibility each member has towards maintaining them.


"The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."

This quote suggests that one of the most effective strategies the figure symbolizing evil or wrongdoing (the Devil) has employed is to convince people that he doesn't exist, implying that by denying the presence of such negative forces, we may unknowingly allow them to persist and influence our actions. In essence, it warns us about underestimating the power of evil and being complacent in our fight against it.


For 'Breaking Bad,' our offices were in the ugliest building in Burbank, California. Which, if you know Burbank, is really saying something.

- Peter Gould

Bad, Which, Offices, Breaking Bad

The scene we shot with Charlie Rose was actually the last piece that was ever shot for 'Breaking Bad.' My daughter and I flew to New York; we got to shoot in the 'Charlie Rose' studio. Adam Godley and Jessica Hecht are such expert performers that we were able to get it very beautifully and very quickly.

- Peter Gould

Expert, Studio, Very, Breaking Bad

The problem and the question on 'Breaking Bad' is always 'Where is Walt's head at?'

- Peter Gould

Problem, Head, Always, Breaking Bad

I wrote a spec script that people really liked: a political serial based on Jeffrey's Toobin's 'A Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy.' It was the first thing I had ever written with any political subject matter in it.

- Peter Gould

Political, Had, Subject, Serial

I think of myself more as a filmmaker or as a film person than as strictly just a writer. I don't come out of playwriting or anything like that.

- Peter Gould

Think, Like, I Think, Strictly

I love scenes with minimal dialogue.

- Peter Gould

Love, Minimal, I Love, Scenes

The great thing about writing is that you always put yourself in the shoes of the character. If you're doing it right, you can see into the heart of all your characters. Usually, when there's a writing problem, it's because you aren't doing that.

- Peter Gould

Doing, About, Your, Great Thing

I think the ultimate thing in some ways for any writer is to work on a character who's going to have a life for a long time.

- Peter Gould

Think, Some, I Think, Ultimate

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