Brendan Behan Quotes

A collection of quotes by Brendan Behan.

Brendan Behan (1923-1964) was an Irish playwright, novelist, and poet. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Behan's work often reflected his own experiences growing up in a politically divided country and his time spent in prison for his involvement in the Irish Republican Army. He gained international recognition for his play "The Quare Fellow" in 1954, and later for his autobiographical novel "Borstal Boy" in 1958. Known for his sharp wit and distinct writing style, Behan became an influential figure in Irish literature, leaving a lasting impact on the literary landscape of Ireland.

The big difference between sex for money and sex for free is

The big difference between sex for money and sex for free is that sex for money usually costs a lot less.

I was court-martialled in my absence, and sentenced to death

I was court-martialled in my absence, and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence.

I have a total irreverence for anything connected with socie

I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.

Food

It's not that the Irish are cynical. It's rather that they h

It's not that the Irish are cynical. It's rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.

Respect

The Bible was a consolation to a fellow alone in the old cel

The Bible was a consolation to a fellow alone in the old cell. The lovely thin paper with a bit of matress stuffing in it, if you could get a match, was as good a smoke as I ever tasted.

Alone

If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks.

If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks.

Saintpatricksday

When I came back to Dublin I was courtmartialed in my absenc

When I came back to Dublin I was courtmartialed in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence.

Death