John Wayne Quotes

General MacArthur told me, "You represent the American serviceman better than the American serviceman himself."

I figured I needed a gimmick, so I dreamed up this drawl, the squint and a way of moving meant to suggest that I wasn’t looking for trouble but would just as soon throw a bottle at your head as not. I practiced in front of a mirror.

We're burnin' daylight!

Let's say I hope that I appeal to the more carefree times in a person's life rather than to his reasoning adulthood. I'd just like to be an image that reminds someone of joy rather than of the problems of the world.

When you stop fighting, that's death.

Oscar and I have something in common. Oscar first came to Hollywood scene in 1928. So did I. We're both a little weather-beaten, but we're still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer.

My hope and prayer is that everyone know and love our country for what she really is and what she stands for.

A long time ago, I made me a rule. I let people do what they want to do.

I play John Wayne in every part regardless of the character, and I've been doing okay, haven't I?

I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.

When you come slam bang up against trouble, it never looks half as bad if you face up to it.

The reason there are so many stupid people is because it's illegal to kill them.

My favorite four-letter words are 'hard work'.

Government has no wealth, and when a politician promises to give you something for nothing, he must first confiscate that wealth from you -- either by direct taxes, or by the cruelly indirect tax of inflation.

It rankles me when somebody tries to force somebody to do something.

You're short on ears and long on mouth.

Republic. I like the sound of the word.

We built your fort. We will not have it used against us.

The fire is not discriminating. It burns anything in its path for whatever reason.

I drink for comradeship, and when I drink for comradeship, I don't bother to keep count.

True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done.

Get off your horse and drink your milk.

One look that works is better than twenty lines of dialogue.

Cowboys, just like the word says.

The West - the very words go straight to that place of the heart where Americans feel the spirit of pride in their western heritage - the triumph of personal courage over any obstacle, whether nature or man.

Never apologize, mister, it’s a sign of weakness.

Getting rid of a man without hurting his masculinity is a problem. "Get out" and "I never want to see you again" might sound like a challenge. If you want to get rid of a man, I suggest saying, "I love you. . . . I want to marry you. . . . I want to have your children." Sometimes they leave skid marks.

I am an old-fashioned, honest-to-goodness, flag waving patriot.

I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to the point of responsibility. I don`t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.