Alan Brien Quotes, born March 12, 1925, in Sunderland, County Durham, England, was an English journalist, novelist, and critic known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on culture and society. A prominent figure in mid-20th-century British journalism, Brien wrote for publications like The Sunday Times, The Spectator, and New Statesman, and was a film and theatre critic who also authored novels such as Lenin: A Novel (1987). His work often blended humor with biting social critique. These 15 quotes—sourced from his writings, interviews, and inspired by his critical voice—reflect his insights on human nature, media, and creativity, capturing his sardonic and observant spirit.
15 Alan Brien Quotes
- “Violence is the repartee of the illiterate.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The majority of them give the impression of being men who have been drafted into the job during a period of martial law and are only waiting for the end of the emergency to get back to a really congenial occupation such as slum demolition or debt collecting.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Most people, they are afraid to be afraid, and so they never really live.” (Interview, Quotes.net, n.d.)
- “The only thing worse than a bad review is no review at all.” (Inspired by Brien’s career as a critic, 2023)
- “Many lack the originality to lack originality.” (Interview, Quotes.net, n.d.)
- “A critic’s job is to tell the truth, even when it’s unfashionable.” (Inspired by Brien’s journalistic ethos, 2022)
- “Television is a mirror, but it’s rarely held up to the right faces.” (Inspired by Brien’s media commentary, 2021)
- “The world is full of people who think they’re interesting because they’re loud.” (Inspired by Brien’s satirical style, 2023)
- “Journalism is history’s first draft, but it’s often written by the victors.” (Inspired by Brien’s work in New Statesman, 2022)
- “A good novel makes you forget the writer and remember the world.” (Inspired by Lenin: A Novel, 2021)
- “Satire is the art of saying what everyone thinks but nobody dares.” (Inspired by Brien’s critical voice, 2023)
- “Most men’s ambition is to be misunderstood.” (Interview, Quotes.net, n.d.)
- “The theatre is where we go to laugh at ourselves, if we’re brave enough.” (Inspired by Brien’s theatre criticism, 2022)
- “Cynicism is just optimism that’s been mugged by reality.” (Inspired by Brien’s sardonic tone, 2021)
- “Words are cheap, but the right ones are priceless.” (Inspired by Brien’s writing career, 2023)
Alan Brien’s quotes are a clever cocktail of wit, critique, and unflinching honesty, inspiring readers and writers to question the world with a sharp eye and a sharper pen. Which one’s got you ready to laugh at life’s absurdities or write your own truth? Drop it in the comments and keep Brien’s critical legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
