The quotations of

Roger Ebert

American film critic and author

1942–2013

15 quotes, most often on Movies and Art. Part of the Hollywood collection.

What makes us men is that we can think logically. What makes us human is that we sometimes choose not to.
- Thinking
Some men would rather pursue happiness than obtain it.
- Happiness
I believe we are born with our minds open to wonderful experiences, and only slowly learn to limit ourselves to narrow tastes. We are taught to lose our curiosity by the bludgeon-blows of mass marketing, which brainwash us to see ‘hits,’ and discourage exploration.
In: Jonathan Silverman, ‎Dean Rader (2005), The world is a text, p. 315
- Movies
I arrive at the end of this review having done my duty as a critic. I have described the movie accurately and you have a good idea what you are in for if you go to see it. Most of you will not. I cannot argue with you. Some of you will⁠—the brave and the curious. You embody the spirit of the man who first wondered what it would taste like to eat an oyster.
Review of Gerry (28 February 2003)
- Movies
‘It will obliterate your senses!’ reports David Gillin, who obviously writes autobiographically.
- Movies
No matter what they’re charging to get in, it’s worth more to get out.
Review of Armageddon (1 July 1998)
- Movies
No good film is too long and no bad film is short enough.
- Movies
The MPAA rates this PG-13. It is too vulgar for anyone under 13, and too dumb for anyone over 13.
- Movies
All good art is about something deeper than it admits.
- Art
I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization.
First published in the “Roger Ebert’s Journal” column (19 May 2010)
- Virtue
Doing research on the Web is like using a library assembled piecemeal by pack rats and vandalized nightly.
“Critical Eye” column, Yahoo! Internet Life (September 1998), p. 66
- Internet
Of what use is freedom of speech to those who fear to offend?
Roger Ebert’s Movie Home Companion (1990 Edition), p. 735
- Freedom
Art is the closest we can come to understanding how a stranger really feels.
“Living Testament” speech at 11th Hour, Colorado Public Television (1994)
- Art
It’s said that Chaplin wanted you to like him, but Keaton didn’t care. I think he cared, but was too proud to ask.
The Great Movies Essay Collections, Vol. II (2005), p. 94
- Movies
- Pride
I have been described as a snob on this issue. But snobs exclude; they do not include. To exclude b&w from your choices is an admission that you have a closed mind, a limited imagination, or are lacking in taste.
First published in the “Movie Answer Man” column (25 July 2004)
- Movies

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