Clint Eastwood is one of the greatest Hollywood actors and an Academy Award-winning director. He rose to fame in the 1960s, mostly by starring in “Spaghetti Western” movies. His macho appearance and undeniable acting talent shot him to international stardom that continues to this day. Although he is a man of few words, here are 27 classic Clint Eastwood quotes everyone should read.
From witty and comical to emotional and motivational to political, these quotes will help you understand who Clint Eastwood is and what he stands for.
Of course, this list would be incomplete without Clint Eastwood’s famous movie quotes. Although we have a lot to learn from his own words, the remarks of Mr. Eastwood’s characters are what made him a living legend. So, without further ado, I give you 27 classic Clint Eastwood quotes and movie lines.
Essential Clint Eastwood Quotes
#1. “There’s a rebel lying deep in my soul. Anytime anybody tells me the trend is such and such, I go the opposite direction. I hate the idea of trends. I hate imitation; I have a reverence for individuality.”
#2. “They say all marriages are made in heaven, but so are thunder and lightning.”
#3. “Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.”
#4. “Extremism is so easy. You’ve got your position, and that’s it. It doesn’t take much thought. And when you go far enough to the right you meet the same idiots coming around from the left.”
#5. “Maybe I`m getting to the age when I`m starting to be senile or nostalgic or both, but people are so angry now. You used to be able to disagree with people and still be friends. Now you hear these talk shows, and everyone who believes differently from you is a moron and an idiot.”
#6. “Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously.”
#7. “My wife is my closest friend. Sure, I’m attracted to her in every way possible, but that’s not the answer. Because I’ve been attracted to other people, and I couldn’t stand ’em after a while.”
#8. “This film cost $31 million. With that kind of money, I could have invaded some country.”
#9. “Whether you like it or not, you’re forced to come to the realization that death is out there. But I don’t fear death, I’m a fatalist. I believe when it’s your time, that’s it. It’s the hand you’re dealt.”
#10. “God gave you a brain. Do the best you can with it. And you don’t have to be Einstein, but Einstein was mentally tough. He believed what he believed. And he worked out things. And he argued with people who disagreed with him.”
#11. “I’ve always felt that if I examine myself too much, I’ll find out what I know and don’t know, and I’ll burst the bubble. I’ve gotten so lucky relying on my animal instincts, I’d rather keep a little bit of the animal alive.”
#12. “There are two kinds of actors — one sits in a dressing room waiting for his call and the other gets out into the business and polishes his craft by absorbing everything. I don’t know enough, I’ll never learn everything I need to learn. When a guy thinks he’s already learned it, he can only go backwards.”
#13. “If you approach a film with the feeling that you are going to have some impact on society then you’re liable to get carried away with yourself. Alfred Hitchcock once told me, when I was analyzing a lot of things about his pictures, ‘Clint, you must remember, it’s only a movie.’”
#14. “As we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping our minds active and open.”
Memorable Clint Eastwood Movie Quotes
#15. “OK, you did two things wrong. First, you asked a question, and second, you asked another question.” — Million Dollar Baby (2004)
#16. “No, I’m not OK. I’m sick, I’m tired and I’m armed too, so be careful.” — In The Line Of Fire (1993)
#17. “A good man always knows his limitations.” — Magnum Force (1973)
#18. “I have strong feelings about gun control. If there’s a gun around, I want to be controlling it.” — Pink Cadillac (1989)
#19. “If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster.” — The Rookie (1990)
#20. “With all due respect, sir, you’re beginning to bore the hell out of me.” — Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
#21. “In this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend. The ones with loaded guns and the ones who dig. You dig.” — The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
#22. “You want to play the game, you’d better know the rules, love.” — The Dead Pool (1988)
#23. “Wake me up if we crash into the mountain. I wouldn’t want to miss that.” — White Hunter, Black Heart (1990)
#24. “Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn’t have messed with? That’s me.” — Gran Torino (2008)
#25. “Things change. They always do, it’s one of the things of nature. Most people are afraid of change, but if you look at it as something you can always count on, then it can be a comfort.” — The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
#26. “There’s plain few problems can’t be solved with a little sweat and hard work.” — Pale Rider (1985)
#27. “Now remember, when things look bad, and it looks like you won’t make it, then you got to get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean!” — The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
In Conclusion
Reading these Clint Eastwood quotes, it’s easy to see how this man managed to stay consistently relevant for over 60 years. His simple yet bulletproof life philosophy along with his wise career choices are ultimately what made him so beloved and respected. Hopefully, his words will aid you through your personal path to greatness.
Image source: Clint Eastwood photo from pinterest.com
