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Terence Rattigan Quotes

Powerful Terence Rattigan for Daily Growth

About Terence Rattigan

Terence Rattigan (June 20, 1911 – November 30, 1977) was a prominent English playwright whose work left an indelible mark on the theatre world during the mid-twentieth century. Born in London to a wealthy family, he was educated at Harrow School and Cambridge University, but it was his experiences in the British Army during World War II that significantly influenced his writing. Rattigan's early plays, such as "French Without Tears" (1936) and "Love in a Cold Climate" (1948), showcased his gift for witty dialogue and keen insight into the social nuances of the British upper class. However, it was his poignant work, "The Winslow Boy" (1946), that brought him international acclaim. This play, which explored themes of justice, duty, and family honor, established Rattigan as a leading dramatist of his time. One of Rattigan's most famous plays, "The Deep Blue Sea" (1952), delved into the complexities of love, loss, and human vulnerability. Another notable work, "Separate Tables" (1954), explored the emotional isolation experienced by individuals in a hotel resort. The play was later adapted into an acclaimed film. Despite his success, Rattigan struggled with self-doubt and the stigma of being labeled a 'middlebrow' writer, a term used to describe artists whose work appealed to a broad, middle-class audience rather than being considered high art. This led him to withdraw from the public eye for several years. However, in 1965, he made a comeback with "A Judgment in Stone," which was well received by critics and audiences alike. Rattigan's work continues to be performed worldwide, and his contributions to British theatre are still celebrated today. Some of his most famous quotes include: 1. "Life is very short and the art long, opportunity fleeting, experience treacherous, judgment difficult." 2. "The only thing that counts is sincerity. Once you can fake that, you've got it made." 3. "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

This quote suggests that if those who are morally upright or 'good' fail to act when confronted with situations requiring their intervention, it can unintentionally enable or pave the way for evil to prevail or grow stronger. It underscores the importance of individual responsibility in taking a stand against wrongdoings and upholding justice and righteousness.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

This quote suggests that aging isn't necessarily a result of biological processes, but rather an outcome of losing one's zest for life, curiosity, and playfulness. In essence, it encourages us to maintain our youthfulness by continuing to engage in activities that bring joy, learning, and growth throughout our lives, rather than allowing ourselves to become stagnant or disengaged.

"Life is not a series of events, life is a series of emotions and what you remember is how you felt."

Terence Rattigan's quote underscores the subjective nature of personal experiences. Life isn't merely a collection of incidents or milestones but a tapestry of emotions woven together, with those feelings being the most enduring memories we carry from our past. The events themselves are not what truly matter; it is how they made us feel that imprints itself on our consciousness and shapes who we become.

"The secret of playing constantly against type is never forgetting one's own."

Terence Rattigan's quote emphasizes that an actor must always remain true to their inherent skills, abilities, and qualities while taking on roles that are different from their usual "type" or characterization. This means they should not let the new role overshadow their original strengths, but rather use those strengths adaptively to bring authenticity and depth to the contrasting part. In other words, a versatile actor effectively plays against type by remembering their own unique artistic identity.

"The easiest thing in the world to be is you. The most difficult thing is to find out what you are."

This quote emphasizes the struggle many individuals face in self-discovery. The ease with which one can simply exist, or conform to societal norms, contrasts with the difficulty in understanding one's true identity, beliefs, passions, and potential. It encourages introspection, growth, and self-awareness, suggesting that the journey towards personal authenticity is challenging but essential for living a meaningful life.

A playwright must be his own audience. A novelist may lose his readers for a few pages; a playwright never dares lose his audience for a minute.

- Terence Rattigan

Audience, Own, May, Novelist

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