Ben-Hur

Simonides: Do not pity me, Master Judah. In fact, I'm twice the man I was. There's Mallet, my other half. We met in the dungeons at the citadel. We were released on the same day, Mallet without a tongue and I without life in my legs. Since then, I have been his tongue and he has been my legs. Together, we make a considerable man. Sextus: There's also a wild man in the desert named John the Baptist and a young carpenter's son who goes around doing magic tricks, miracles they call them...This man is different. He teaches that God is near, in every man. It's actually quite profound, some of it. Esther: I've seen too much what hate can do. My father is burned up with it. But I've heard of a young rabbi who says that forgiveness is greater and love more powerful than hatred. I believe it.

Ben-Hur (1959 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Sextus: You can break a man's skull. You can arrest him. You can throw him into a dungeon. But how do you fight an idea? Messala: Sextus, you ask how to fight an idea. Well, I'll tell you how... with another idea!

Ben-Hur (1959 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Judah: I would do anything for you, Messala... except betray my own people. Messala: In the name of all the gods, Judah, what do the lives of a few Jews mean to you? Judah: If I cannot persuade them, that does not mean I will help you... murder them. Besides, you must understand this, Messala. I believe in the past of my people, and in their future. Messala: Future? You are a conquered people. Judah: You may conquer the land; you may slaughter the people. But that is not the end; we will rise again. Messala: You live on dead dreams; you live on the myths of the past. The glory of Solomon is gone and you think it will return?. Joshua will not rise again to save you nor David. There is only one reality in the world today. Look to the West, Judah! Don't be a fool, look to Rome! Judah: I would rather be a fool than a traitor... or a killer! Messala: I am a soldier! Judah: Yes! Who kills! For Rome! And Rome is evil! Messala: I warn you... Judah: No! I warn you! Rome is an affront to God! Ro

Ben-Hur (1959 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Judah: If you were not a bride I would kiss you goodbye Esther: If I were not a bride there would be no goodbyes to be said.

Ben-Hur (1959 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Arrius: What service have you seen? Forty-One? Judah: A month's less a day in this ship. Arrius: You keep an exact account. And before? Judah: Three years in other ships. Arrius: Three years [hits Judah with a whip] You have the spirit to fight back... but the good sense to control it. Your eyes are full of hate, Forty-One. That's good. Hate keeps a man alive. It gives him strength. Now, listen to me, all of you. You are all condemned men. We keep you alive to serve this ship. So row well... and live.

Ben-Hur (1959 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Arrius: What is your name, Forty-One? Judah: [pause] Judah Ben-Hur. Arrius: Judah Ben-Hur... Let me die. Judah: [repeating Arrius' words on board the galleys] We keep you alive to serve this ship. Row well and live.

Ben-Hur (1959 film), CC BY-SA 4.0