After the advent of the written word, the masses who could not - or were not permitted to - read, were given sermons by the few who could.
Theodore Bikel

All too often arrogance accompanies strength, and we must never assume that justice is on the side of the strong. The use of power must always be accompanied by moral choice.
Theodore Bikel

Although I am deeply grateful to a great many people, I forgo the temptation of naming them for fear that I might slight any by omission.
Theodore Bikel

As an artist I have an even more abiding interest in the compact between the Arts and Government.
Theodore Bikel

Audiences are audiences.
Theodore Bikel

But there is a difference here: When Jewish children are murdered, Arabs celebrate the deed. The death of an Arab child is no cause for celebration in Israel.
Theodore Bikel

But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.
Theodore Bikel

By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality, as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us to action. Such films do battle for our very soul.
Theodore Bikel

Despite a large body of work in films, TV, theatre and concerts, I am viewed by many as a Jewish artist. I do not resent the label, except for the fact that I disapprove of labels in general.
Theodore Bikel

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. By what conduit do we know what we know?
Theodore Bikel


Every actor wants to direct.
Theodore Bikel

For I firmly believe that Jewish life, indeed any communal life, can only be organized according to democratic principles.
Theodore Bikel

Having come to live in this age is as though one were to have entered another country. Learn its language or risk being left out.
Theodore Bikel

I always sang, I always acted, I always played.
Theodore Bikel

I am a universalist, passionately devoted to the cause of equality within the human family.
Theodore Bikel

I am determined to give the Yiddish language a fighting chance to survive.
Theodore Bikel

I am filled with awe that filmmakers have the capacity to stir us and give us back a sense of wonder.
Theodore Bikel

I am not a specialist but a general practitioner in the world of the arts.
Theodore Bikel

I created the role of Captain Von Trapp.
Theodore Bikel

I do not know who there is among us that can claim to know God's purpose and God's intent.
Theodore Bikel