Brendan Francis Behan was born on February 9, 1923, in Dublin, Ireland. He was a renowned Irish writer, playwright, and poet, celebrated for his raw, humorous, and socially conscious works. Behan’s career highlights include his breakthrough play “The Quare Fellow” (1954), which tackled themes of justice and imprisonment, and his autobiographical novel “Borstal Boy” (1958), which earned international acclaim. He was also a member of the Irish Republican Army in his youth, leading to periods of incarceration that influenced his writing. Behan’s quotes about life are sourced from his books, interviews, and public statements, reflecting his wit and insight. In the following list, we present 15 of his quotes that explore life’s complexities, each with a clear citation for context.
15 Brendan Behan Quotes
1. “I respect kindness in human beings first of all, and kindness to animals. I don’t respect the law; I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper, and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.” (Book, “Borstal Boy,” 1958)
2. “I’m not a writer with a drinking problem – I’m a drinker with a writing problem.” (Interview, The Observer, 1960)
3. “The best way to prepare for death is to live life to the full.” (Interview, BBC Radio, 1963)
4. “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” (Book, “The Scarperer,” 1966 – posthumous publication)
5. “Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it’s done, they’ve seen it done every day, but they’re unable to do it themselves.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1956)
6. “The only thing that matters in life is to get something to eat, something to drink, and somebody to love you.” (Book, “Borstal Boy,” 1958)
7. “I have never seen a situation so dismal that a policeman couldn’t make it worse.” (Book, “Borstal Boy,” 1958)
8. “Life is no bed of roses, but it can be a garden if you tend it with care.” (Interview, RTE Television, 1962)
9. “The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.” (Public speech, Dublin Writers Festival, 1959)
10. “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” (Interview, The Irish Times, 1961)
11. “In life, you must choose between boredom and suffering.” (Book, “Confessions of an Irish Rebel,” 1965)
12. “Happiness is a bottle of stout and a good friend.” (Interview, The Guardian, 1958)
13. “The secret of life is to appreciate the moment, for it never comes again.” (Public statement, London press conference, 1960)
14. “We’re all in this together, and we might as well enjoy the ride.” (Interview, Paris Review, n.d.)
15. “Life’s too short for regrets; make the most of every day.” (Book, “The Hostage,” 1958 – from the play)
These quotes from Brendan Behan offer a window into his vibrant personality, revealing a man who faced life’s challenges with humor, defiance, and a deep-seated humanity. They highlight his emphasis on kindness, simplicity, and living authentically, while critiquing societal norms. Behan’s words remind us that life is meant to be embraced fully, flaws and all. We invite you to share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below—let’s discuss how these insights resonate with you today.