Atlas (1961)

Michael Forest: Atlas

Quotes 

• Proximates the Tyrant : Don't fence with me, wrestler. I can have your entrails on the sand at the snap of a finger.

  Atlas : Start snapping.

• Atlas : I've never spoken with a tyrant before.

  Candia : It's very much like speaking with a human being.

• Garnis : A philosopher should never be allowed to feel too sure of himself. He's liable to stop talking and begin actively meddling.

  Atlas : And what is your philosophy?

  Garnis : Well, I believe that it's the duty of all thoughtful, reasonable men to make themselves as comfortable as possible.

  Candia : That would take away all the fun.

  Proximates the Tyrant : Well, that depends on your definition of fun and comfort. Now to some men, war is comfortable, because it's the only thing they can do well.

• Proximates the Tyrant : Oh Candia, entertain Atlas as best you can until I get back.

  [exits] 

  Candia : Of course I can't entertain you as best I can. Not with all these people around.

  Atlas : Did that provocative remark come naturally to you? Or were you ordered to work on me?

  Candia : Neither. We're so used to trying to shock one another, that we usually sow the unexpected.

• Candia : It's a long trip. We follow the cliffs high above the bluest water you can imagine. We go through cool pine forest where the night smells like something good to drink. Come with us, and I'll show you the countryside.

  Atlas : That sounds more dangerous than Proximates fight to the death.

  Candia : I'm not dangerous, I'm just a tiny woman.

• Proximates the Tyrant : Atlas, be glad that you're not a tyrant. You have nothing to do, but wander the earth and search for the truth. You think you'll find it?

  Atlas : I don't know, maybe the truth is in the searching.

• Atlas : Maybe the creation is life and destruction is death. Something has to die so that something can be reborn.