Peter Ustinov Quotes

Powerful Peter Ustinov for Daily Growth

About Peter Ustinov

Peter Ustinov (April 16, 1921 – March 28, 2004) was a renowned British-Swiss actor, writer, and film director, best known for his wit, versatility, and erudition. Born in London to Russian parents, Ustinov spent most of his childhood in the Soviet Union before returning to England in 1936 to attend art school. His love for theater blossomed during this period, and he began acting on stage at a young age. Ustinov's career took off after World War II, as he became a regular contributor to BBC radio programs with his unique blend of humor, intelligence, and insight. He made his film debut in 1948 with the film "An Ideal Husband," followed by roles in numerous films and television series. Some of his most notable performances include Rex Harrison's loyal servant, Charles Laughton's manservant, and Agatha Christie's detective Hercule Poirot. Ustinov was also an accomplished writer, penning plays, essays, novels, and screenplays. His works often reflected his keen intellect, satirical wit, and broad cultural knowledge. Among his significant works are the play "Romanoff and Juliet," the novel "The World of Hercules," and the screenplay for the film "Topkapi." In addition to his artistic pursuits, Ustinov was a dedicated humanitarian and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. He traveled extensively, advocating for peace and understanding among different cultures and peoples. His final work, "An Act of Love," is an autobiographical account of his life and career. Peter Ustinov's legacy lives on in the richness of his artistic contributions and the lasting impact he made on the world stage as a diplomat for peace and unity. He remains one of the most versatile and celebrated figures in the history of British theater and cinema.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Art is the lie that makes us realize truth."

This quote suggests that art, whether visual, literary, or performance-based, serves as a form of exaggeration or fabrication that helps us perceive reality more deeply and clearly. By presenting an alternative version of life, art exposes the underlying truths about human nature, emotions, and experiences that might be difficult to grasp in a literal sense. Essentially, the "lie" in art stimulates our minds to explore the "truth" hidden within ourselves and the world around us.


"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do."

This quote by Peter Ustinov emphasizes that a person's success lies not only in professional achievements but also in personal fulfillment and happiness. In simpler terms, it suggests that if one is able to live their life according to their own desires and passions, waking up each day with enthusiasm and going to bed feeling content, then they are indeed successful. This definition of success places equal importance on a balanced and meaningful existence rather than just material wealth or fame.


"To be born in China and to die in Africa – that is a good life."

This quote by Peter Ustinov suggests that living a life that spans across diverse cultures, particularly those as rich and unique as China and Africa, is a fulfilling existence. It implies a life lived with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a desire to experience the world beyond one's immediate surroundings. The statement "To die in Africa" may symbolize a peaceful end, perhaps surrounded by the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the continent. Overall, it highlights the joy and richness that comes from exploration, cultural exchange, and embracing different experiences throughout life.


"Fame is a vapor; popularity an accident; the only earthly certainty is oblivion."

This quote by Peter Ustinov serves as a reminder that fame and popularity, while they may offer temporary recognition and status, are transient and unreliable. The true certainty in life is oblivion, indicating the inevitability of being forgotten after death. It encourages us to value enduring qualities such as character, kindness, and wisdom over fleeting successes or temporary fame.


"It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

This quote by Peter Ustinov emphasizes selflessness and teamwork, suggesting that individuals should focus on the collective goal rather than personal recognition or reward. The quote implies that when people work together with a shared purpose, they can achieve remarkable feats without worrying about who gets the credit. It encourages collaboration, altruism, and a mindset that prioritizes the greater good over individual glory.


Courage is often lack of insight, whereas cowardice in many cases is based on good information.

- Peter Ustinov

Courage, Insight, Based, Cases

I am an optimist, unrepentant and militant. After all, in order not to be a fool an optimist must know how sad a place the world can be. It is only the pessimist who finds this out anew every day.

- Peter Ustinov

Every Day, How, Out, Militant

I was irrevocably betrothed to laughter, the sound of which has always seemed to me the most civilised music in the world.

- Peter Ustinov

Always, Which, Seemed, Irrevocably

Playwrights are like men who have been dining for a month in an Indian restaurant. After eating curry night after night, they deny the existence of asparagus.

- Peter Ustinov

Like, Been, Deny, Playwrights

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.

- Peter Ustinov

Love, Tender, Which, Love Is

People who reach the top of the tree are only those who haven't got the qualifications to detain them at the bottom.

- Peter Ustinov

Tree, Reach, Bottom, Qualifications

I'm convinced there's a small room in the attic of the Foreign Office where future diplomats are taught to stammer.

- Peter Ustinov

Small, Office, Diplomats, Stammer

The French and the British are such good enemies that they can't resist being friends.

- Peter Ustinov

Enemies, British, Resist, French

The social sciences were for all those who had not yet decided what to do with their lives, and for all those whose premature frustrations led them into the sterile alleys of confrontation.

- Peter Ustinov

Social, Had, Lives, Premature

To refuse awards is another way of accepting them with more noise than is normal.

- Peter Ustinov

Awards, Normal, Refuse, Accepting

If Botticelli were alive today he'd be working for Vogue.

- Peter Ustinov

Work, Alive, Were, Vogue

Corruption is nature's way of restoring our faith in democracy.

- Peter Ustinov

Nature, Faith, Corruption, Restoring

At the age of four with paper hats and wooden swords we're all Generals. Only some of us never grow out of it.

- Peter Ustinov

Grow, Some, Generals, Wooden

A diplomat these days is nothing, but a head waiter who is allowed to sit down occasionally.

- Peter Ustinov

Nothing, Head, Allowed, Diplomat

If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done.

- Peter Ustinov

Voice, Expert, Last, Blow

In America, through pressure of conformity, there is freedom of choice, but nothing to choose from.

- Peter Ustinov

Freedom, Nothing, Through, Conformity

Monica Seles: I'd hate to be next door to her on her wedding night.

- Peter Ustinov

Wedding, Door, Next, Monica

Sex is a conversation carried out by other means. If you get on well out of bed, half the problems of bed are solved.

- Peter Ustinov

Bed, Carried, Means, Conversation

Pavarotti is not vain, but conscious of being unique.

- Peter Ustinov

Unique, Vain, Being, Being Unique

Once we are destined to live out our lives in the prison of our mind, our duty is to furnish it well.

- Peter Ustinov

Mind, Lives, Our, Furnish

I have four children which is not bad considering I'm not a Catholic.

- Peter Ustinov

Children, Bad, Which, Catholic

By increasing the size of the keyhole, today's playwrights are in danger of doing away with the door.

- Peter Ustinov

Door, Doing, Keyhole, Playwrights

I have three daughters and I find as a result I played King Lear almost without rehearsal.

- Peter Ustinov

Result, Daughters, King Lear, Lear

The point of living and of being an optimist is to be foolish enough to believe the best is yet to come.

- Peter Ustinov

Best, Optimist, Living, Foolish

Critics search for ages for the wrong word, which, to give them credit, they eventually find.

- Peter Ustinov

Give, Critics, Which, Credit

Parents are the bones on which children cut their teeth.

- Peter Ustinov

Parenting, Cut, Which, Parents

The habit of religion is oppressive, an easy way out of thought.

- Peter Ustinov

Habit, Thought, Oppressive, Easy Way

Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.

- Peter Ustinov

Humor, Comedy, Serious, Simply

Laughter would be bereaved if snobbery died.

- Peter Ustinov

Laughter, Died, Would, Snobbery

It is our responsibilities, not ourselves, that we should take seriously.

- Peter Ustinov

Seriously, Should, Take, Responsibilities

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