Lillian Hellman Quotes

United States, Dramatist
June 20, 1905 – June, 30, 1984.

Lillian Florence Hellman (June 20, 1905 – June 30, 1984) was an American dramatist and screenwriter known for her success as a playwright on Broadway, as well as her left-wing sympathies and political activism. She was blacklisted after her appearance before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) at the height of the anti-communist campaigns of 1947–52.

Also known as Screenwriter

Lonely people, in talking to each other can make each other lonelier.

Lillian Hellman
- People
- Lonely
Nobody outside of a baby carriage or a Judge's chamber can believe in an unprejudiced point of view but, simply in self-interest, the biographer must try for one, or make us believe he has, or tell us that he hasn't.

Lillian Hellman
- Believe
- Baby
- Judge

Nothing, of course, begins at the time you think it did.

Lillian Hellman
- Time
I am prepared to waive the privilege against self-incrimination and to tell you everything you wish to know about my views or actions if your committee will agree to refrain from asking me to name other people. If the committee is unwilling to give me this assurance, I will be forced to plead the privilege of the fifth amendment at the hearing.

Lillian Hellman
- People
- Wish
We will not think noble because we are not noble. We will not live in beautiful harmony because there is no such thing in this world, nor should there be. We promise only to do our best and to live out our lives. Dear God, that's all we can promise in truth.

Lillian Hellman
- World
- God
- Live
There are people who eat earth and eat all the people on it like in the Bible with the locusts. Then there are people who stand around and watch them eat it. (Softly) Sometimes I think it ain't right to stand and watch them do it.

Lillian Hellman
- People
- Earth
- Bible
Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth.

Lillian Hellman
- Truth
For every man who lives without freedom, the rest of us must face the guilt.

Lillian Hellman
- Freedom
- Rest

I like people who refuse to speak until they are ready to speak.

Lillian Hellman
- People
A man should be jailed for telling lies to the young.

Lillian Hellman
- Lies