# The most famous Charlie Chaplin quotes

From "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot" to the barber's speech in The Great Dictator: Charlie Chaplin's best-known lines, with the film, book or interview they come from.

- 162 votes · 11 items
- Feb 21, 2019 · Oscar Griffiths
- https://even.best/en/l/4825/the-most-famous-charlie-chaplin-quotes

## Top 11

1. **Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.** (17 · ▲18 ▼1) — Quoted in his obituary in The Guardian (28 December 1977).
2. **I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business.** (15 · ▲17 ▼2) — The Great Dictator (1940), opening of the final speech.
3. **All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl.** (15 · ▲17 ▼2) — My Autobiography (1964), chapter 10.
4. **More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.** (13 · ▲14 ▼1) — The Great Dictator (1940), the barber's speech.
5. **We think too much and feel too little.** (12 · ▲14 ▼2) — The Great Dictator (1940), the barber's speech.
6. **I am for people. I can't help it.** (11 · ▲12 ▼1) — Quoted in The Observer (28 September 1952).
7. **In this world there is room for everyone, and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone.** (10 · ▲12 ▼2) — The Great Dictator (1940), the barber's speech.
8. **One murder makes a villain. Millions a hero. Numbers sanctify.** (10 · ▲11 ▼1) — Monsieur Verdoux (1947).
9. **I am at peace with God; my conflict is with man.** (9 · ▲10 ▼1) — Monsieur Verdoux (1947).
10. **I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown.** (3 · ▲8 ▼5) — Quoted in The Observer (17 June 1960).
11. **Look up to the sky, you'll never find rainbows if you're looking down.** (1 · ▲6 ▼5) — "Swing High Little Girl", song he wrote for the 1969 re-release of The Circus.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.