Quentin Crisp Quotes

A collection of quotes by Quentin Crisp.

Quentin Crisp (1908-1999) was an English writer, raconteur, and actor, known for his unique and flamboyant personality. Born Denis Charles Pratt in Sutton, Surrey, he adopted the name Quentin Crisp in his early twenties. Crisp gained prominence in the 1970s following the publication of his memoir, "The Naked Civil Servant," which candidly explored his experiences as a gay man in a prejudiced society.

Crisp's distinctive appearance, with his effeminate mannerisms and makeup, challenged conventional gender norms and made him a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. He often presented himself in public wearing makeup and flowing clothes, becoming an icon for self-expression and the acceptance of individuality.

In addition to his writing, Crisp appeared in various films and TV shows, further showcasing his wit and unique style. One notable role was in the film adaptation of "The Naked Civil Servant" (1975), in which he portrayed himself. His unapologetic and often humorous commentary on society's expectations garnered him international recognition.

Later in life, Crisp moved to New York City, where he continued to write and perform his one-man show. He embraced his reputation as a cultural outsider and delivered entertaining and thought-provoking lectures on topics ranging from style to the nature of existence.

Quentin Crisp's impact on popular culture, particularly as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, continues to inspire generations. His refusal to conform to societal norms and his celebration of personal authenticity made him an enduring symbol of personal freedom and self-acceptance.

When I told the people of Northern Ireland that I was an ath

When I told the people of Northern Ireland that I was an atheist, a woman in the audience stood up and said, 'Yes, but is it the God of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants in whom you don't believe?

It is not the simple statement of facts that ushers in freed

It is not the simple statement of facts that ushers in freedom it is the constant repetition of them that has this liberating effect. Tolerance is the result not of enlightenment, but of boredom.

Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.

Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.

Truth Euphemisms

I found that I had become so spinsterish that I was made neu

I found that I had become so spinsterish that I was made neurotic not only by my life of domesticity but by the slightest derangement of my room. I would burst into a fit of weeping if the kettle was not facing due east.

If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style.

If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style.

Whenever we confront an unbridled desire we are surely in th

Whenever we confront an unbridled desire we are surely in the presence of a tragedy-in-the-making.

There are three reasons for becoming a writer: the first is

There are three reasons for becoming a writer: the first is that you need the money the second that you have something to say that you think the world should know the third is that you can't think what to do with the long winter evenings.

Health consists of having the same diseases as one's neighbo

Health consists of having the same diseases as one's neighbors.

For an introvert his environment is himself and can never be

For an introvert his environment is himself and can never be subject to startling or unforeseen change.

The British do not expect happiness. I had the impression, a

The British do not expect happiness. I had the impression, all the time that I lived there, that they do not want to be happy they want to be right.

The young always have the same problem -- how to rebel and c

The young always have the same problem -- how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another.

The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing op

The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we have of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us.

Sex is the last refuge of the miserable.

Sex is the last refuge of the miserable.

If you describe things as better than they are, you are cons

If you describe things as better than they are, you are considered to be a romantic; if you describe things as worse than they are, you will be called a realist; and if you describe things exactly as they are, you will be thought of as a satirist.

Authors & Writing

A gentleman doesn't pounce he glides. If a woman sits on a p

A gentleman doesn't pounce he glides. If a woman sits on a piece of furniture which permits your sitting beside her, you are free to regard this as an invitation, though not an unequivocal one.

Euphemisms are not, as many young people think, useless verb

Euphemisms are not, as many young people think, useless verbiage for that which can and should be said bluntly; they are like secret agents on a delicate mission, they must airily pass by a stinking mess with barely so much as a nod of the head, make their point of constructive criticism and continue on in calm forbearance. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.

Life is a game in which the rules are constantly changing; n

Life is a game in which the rules are constantly changing; nothing spoils a game more than those who take it seriously. Adultery? Phooey! You should never subjugate yourself to another nor seek the subjugation of someone else to yourself. If you follow that Crispian principle you will be able to say Phooey, too, instead of reaching for your gun when you fancy yourself betrayed.

The consuming desire of most human beings is deliberately to

The consuming desire of most human beings is deliberately to plant their whole life in the hands of some other person. I would describe this method of searching for happiness as immature. Development of character consists solely in moving toward self-sufficiency.

Though intelligence is powerless to modify character, it is

Though intelligence is powerless to modify character, it is a dab hand at finding euphemisms for its weaknesses.

In an expanding universe, time is on the side of the outcast

In an expanding universe, time is on the side of the outcast. Those who once inhabited the suburbs of human contempt find that without changing their address they eventually live in the metropolis.