Quotes by David Mamet

• In a world we find terrifying, we ratify that which doesn't threaten us.
• It's only words... unless they're true.
• We respond to a drama to that extent to which it corresponds to our dreamlife.
• The surprise is half the battle. Many things are half the battle, losing is half the battle. Let's think about what's the whole battle.
• The product of the artist has become less important than the fact of the artist. We wish to absorb this person. We wish to devour someone who has experienced the tragic. In our society this person is much more important than anything he might create.
• Policemen so cherish their status as keepers of the peace and protectors of the public that they have occasionally been known to beat to death those citizens or groups who question that status.
• I grew up in a tough neighborhood and we used to say you can get further with a kind word and a gun than just a kind word.
• I always thought the real violence in Hollywood isn't what's on the screen. It's what you have to do to raise the money.
• Films have degenerated to their original operation as carnival amusement - they offer not drama but thrills.
• Every reiteration of the idea that nothing matters debases the human spirit.
• Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember.
• A good film script should be able to do completely without dialogue.
• People may or may not say what they mean... but they always say something designed to get what they want.