Robert Redford Quotes

The more you are talked about the less powerful you are.

In journalism, as in politics, other people's lives are a currency to be bartered on behalf of notoriety and influence.

My failures had a lot to do with my fame. I created Evel Knievel, and then he sort of got away from me.

Most of the people around me have a vested interest in how much money I make. You know, so a celebrity could find themselves in a position where people could have meetings about their life without them involved. And when I say 'their life' I mean not their professional life either. They could talk about their personal life.

Powerlessness also corrupts.

Get them to sing your song, and then they will know who you are.

Out of all the climbers of this generation, I was the one who became known to the larger public. Many of them - not all of them, but many of them - understood they had only one chance to use me for their personal gain. And it's very easy to use me.

The paparazzi and the press have given me a voice. No matter how I got the voice, it's there.

I have discovered that a famed familiarity in great ones is a note of certain usurpation on the less; for great and popular men feign themselves to be servants to others to make those slaves to them.

I am the very slave of circumstance And impulse -- borne away with every breath!

Men are able to assist fortune but not to thwart her. They can weave her designs, but they cannot destroy them.

That feeling of hopelessness only serves your masters.

Power is fortified not just by what it destroys, but also by what it creates. Not just by what it takes, but also by what it gives. And powerlessness reaffirmed not just by the helplessness of those who have lost, but also by the gratitude of those who have (or think they have) gained.

I'm tempting you with fine gifts until your girlish ideals are quite worn away and you are at my mercy.

Reputation is the road to power

Fame is that which is known to exist by the echo of its footsteps through congenial minds.

Popularity is neither fame nor greatness.

But I remember seeing a mess of leaves suddenly go skittering in the wind and into the creek, then floating rapidly down the creek towards the sea, making me feel a nameless horror even then of 'Oh my God, we're all being swept away to sea no matter what we know or say or do

I'm just as famous as my mentor... but that's still the boss don't get sent for

The first foundation for the creation of authority is always provided by popularity.

Your take on things is what is either going to make you somebody people talk about or no.

We're like so many puppets hung on the wall, waiting for someone to come and move us or make us talk.

Care, admitted as guest, quickly turns to be master.

...the plan will happen in spite of us, not because of us.

I have also been touched by the dark side of power and leadership.