Jaroslav Hašek Quotes

5 Sourced Quotes

I was discharged from the army for idiocy and officially certified by a special commission as an idiot. I'm an official idiot.

Jaroslav Hašek

Jesus Christ was innocent too,' said Svejk, 'and all the same they crucified him. No one anywhere has ever worried about a man being innocent. Maul halten und weiter dienen ['Grin and bear it and get on with the job'] - as they used to tell us in the army. That's the best and finest thing of all.

Jaroslav Hašek

Great times call for great men. There are unknown heroes who are modest, with none of the historical glamour of a Napoleon. If you analysed their character you would find that it eclipsed even the glory of Alexander the Great. Today you can meet in the streets of Prague a shabbily dressed man who is not even himself aware of his significance in the history of the great new era. He goes modestly on his way, without bothering anyone. Nor is he bothered by journalists asking for an interview. If you asked him his name he would answer you simply and unassumingly: 'I am Švejk….'

Jaroslav Hašek

After debauches and orgies there always follows the moral hangover.

Jaroslav Hašek

And somewhere from the dim ages of history the truth dawned upon Europe that the morrow would obliterate the plans of today.

Jaroslav Hašek