Robert Greenwald Quotes

Powerful Robert Greenwald for Daily Growth

About Robert Greenwald

Robert Greenwald, born on July 31, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed American documentary filmmaker known for his investigative journalism and advocacy work. His career spans over four decades, making him a significant figure in the realm of documentary films. Greenwald's interest in storytelling was ignited at a young age, influenced by his parents who were both involved in theater. He studied film at UCLA but dropped out to work as an assistant director on various television shows before eventually moving into documentaries. His breakthrough came in 1982 with "The Uncounted Enemy: A Vietnam Deception," a controversial documentary about the Vietnam War that was banned from being shown on PBS due to its critical stance towards the government. Throughout his career, Greenwald has tackled various social issues, often focusing on corporate accountability and human rights abuses. Some of his most notable works include "Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War" (2004), which questioned the validity of the reasons given for invading Iraq, and "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" (2005), which exposed the labor practices of Walmart. In recent years, Greenwald has founded Brave New Films, a nonprofit production company that produces documentaries aimed at influencing social change. His latest projects include "The Russia Question," which examines Russian interference in U.S. elections, and "Trump's Worst Week" series, which critiques the Trump administration's policies and actions. Robert Greenwald continues to push boundaries with his documentaries, using them as a tool for activism and raising awareness about crucial social issues. His work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping public opinion and driving change.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The real power in our society is not money, it's information."

Robert Greenwald's quote underscores the central role of knowledge or information in modern societies. He suggests that despite the apparent dominance of wealth (money), the true source of societal power lies in the control and dissemination of information. In today's digital age, where access to data is increasingly widespread, those who can harness and utilize information effectively often wield significant influence over public opinion, decision-making processes, and ultimately, societal direction. This insight serves as a reminder that access to knowledge should be valued, nurtured, and safeguarded for the common good.


"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

This quote by Robert Greenwald underscores the importance of having a strong personal stance or belief system. It suggests that if one lacks a clear sense of purpose or values, they are more likely to be swayed or influenced by external factors, potentially leading to confusion, inconsistency, and being susceptible to manipulation. On the contrary, when one stands for something, it provides a foundation and direction in life, enabling them to navigate through challenges and make decisions that align with their beliefs. This quote encourages individuals to be proactive in defining their values and principles, as this will help guide them through their journey in life.


"The corporate media is not just a mirror of the world; it is a hammer that shapes the world to fit its image."

This quote by Robert Greenwald highlights the significant influence of corporate media in shaping societal perceptions and realities. Instead of merely reflecting the world as it is, he suggests that media outlets have a formative role, reshaping the world to conform with their own image or agenda. This is often achieved through selective reporting, framing narratives, and promoting certain perspectives over others. Understanding this power dynamic can help us navigate information more critically, recognizing when we're being shaped by media, rather than merely observing it.


"There are no limits to what can be achieved with persistence and patience."

This quote emphasizes that relentless determination (persistence) and a willingness to wait for results (patience) are powerful tools in achieving any goal or overcoming challenges. It suggests that there is virtually no limit to what one can accomplish if they remain steadfast and patient in their pursuit of success.


"If we don't start to challenge the system, we will continue to produce the same results we have always had."

This quote by Robert Greenwald emphasizes the importance of questioning and challenging established systems for change to occur. It suggests that if we are content with the status quo and fail to question or challenge it, we will inevitably continue to experience the same outcomes, regardless of whether they are beneficial or detrimental. The call to action is to actively work towards changing systems that produce undesirable results, for the sake of progress and improvement in our society.


We know that BP cuts safety corners, takes risks, and is unconcerned about anything other than their own profit.

- Robert Greenwald

Own, Other, About, Profit

The disaster in the Gulf was no accident. It was the result of years of oil money buying off politicians to lead to an unregulated and ill focused addiction to oil and drilling. The doomed fate of the local fisherman and the environment were foretold in the infamous chants of 'Drill, Baby, Drill.'

- Robert Greenwald

Fate, Infamous, Accident, Gulf

Over and over again-in the movie, I have nine different people who have worked for Fox News network who have come forward and talked on camera, three of them anonymously, by the way.

- Robert Greenwald

News, Different People, Over, Anonymously

If people take the film and screen it whenever possible for their social and professional networks, we can continue to make a difference. It is one more element we have to use in the ongoing effort to take back our country.

- Robert Greenwald

Country, More, Social, Make A Difference

Those are just some of the people whom we interviewed in the documentary, but that should provide you with a good sense of the credibility of the individuals who bolster the case that this administration lied us into a war.

- Robert Greenwald

Some, Administration, This Administration

You're talking to somebody who two years ago couldn't figure out how to use e-mail and who now has carpal tunnel. It has totally changed in that these films would not be getting out to people the way they're getting out without the Internet.

- Robert Greenwald

Two, Talking, Use, E-Mail

It appears the Kochs are among the most defensive billionaires, preferring the comfy confines of their callous and intellectually dishonest world view.

- Robert Greenwald

Billionaires, Dishonest, Defensive

Our goal isn't to close Wal-Mart down. It is to make it a better, more humane company toward its employees and the communities it is in.

- Robert Greenwald

Goal, Wal-Mart, Humane, Communities

O'Reilly continues to hide behind his microphone.

- Robert Greenwald

Behind, Hide, His, Microphone

Even though the Koch brothers' businesses put 4.4 million people at risk with pollutants, the Kochs have poured millions into lobbyists' coffers and political contributions to ensure their bottom line stays unchanged by the most basic safety precaution.

- Robert Greenwald

Line, Brothers, Lobbyists, Unchanged

The Occupy movement has drawn attention to how too many in the 1 percent get to play by their own rules while exploiting the 99 percent.

- Robert Greenwald

Play, Occupy, 1 Percent, Exploiting

A lot of progressives really believe that if we can turn out one more white paper with bullet points about how to fix Problem X, we can fix it. But that's not primarily the way you reach people or move them. You reach the heart first.

- Robert Greenwald

Reach, About, Progressives, Bullet

I do think that we are facing a crisis in our democracy. As true patriots, each and every one of us has to speak up, speak out, and change those in charge. Our democracy depends upon it.

- Robert Greenwald

Think, Crisis, Charge, Patriots

Ideology has consequences.

- Robert Greenwald

Ideology, Consequences

Corporate conglomerates run without regulation do not work in the service of society, and run reckless and unchecked whenever possible.

- Robert Greenwald

Society, Corporate, Whenever, Regulation

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