John Grierson quotes

John Grierson was a Scottish film-maker and pioneer of the documentary film movement. With a passion for depicting reality through cinema, Grierson revolutionized the way we perceive non-fiction storytelling. Born in 1898, his influential works shed light on social and political issues, showcasing the power of visual narratives. Grierson coined the term "documentary" and founded the British Documentary Movement, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. Explore Grierson's groundbreaking films and his lasting legacy in the world of documentary filmmaking.

Some of us learned in a school of philosophy which taught that all was for the common good and nothing for oneself and have never, in any case, regarded the pursuit of happiness as anything other than an aberration of the human spirit.

- John Grierson

When quick results are imperative, the manipulation of the masses through symbols may be the only quick way of having a critical thing done.

- John Grierson

For three hundred years we have had our focus on the individual. We have distinguished him from the objective world as the Middle Ages did not think of doing. We have given him the world and the universe as a playground for exploration and discovery.

- John Grierson

Political conflicts distort and disturb a people's sense of distinction between matters of importance and matters of urgency. What is vital is disguised by what is merely a matter of well being.

- John Grierson

The very effect of the education they were given... was to make men think; and, thinking, they became less and less satisfied with the miserable pays they received.

- John Grierson

My view... would be that we are entering upon a new and interim society which is neither capitalist nor socialist, but in which we can achieve central planning without loss of individual initiative, by the mere process of absorbing initiative in the function of planning.

- John Grierson