Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot. Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.In the end, everything is a gag.

1.  

   Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself.

    
    

   The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.

    
    

   I remain just one thing, and one thing only -- and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.

    

   I have no further use for America. I wouldn't go back there if Jesus Christ was President.

    
    

   Movies are a fad. Audiences really want to see live actors on a stage.

    
    

   I don't believe that the public knows what it wants; this is the conclusion that I have drawn from my career.

    
    

   All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl.

    
    

   I do not have much patience with a thing of beauty that must be explained to be understood. If it does need additional interpretation by someone other than the creator, then I question whether it has fulfilled its purpose.

    
    

   The basic essential of a great actor is that he loves himself in acting.