Melina Mercouri Quotations

We are ready to say that we rule the entire Elgin enterprise as irrelevant to the present.

This past must emerge from the museums in order to become a source of inspiration and creativity, to become the instrument and the joy of the people.

We say to the British government: you have kept those sculptures for almost two centuries. You have cared for them as well as you could, for which we thank you. But now in the name of fairness and morality, please give them back.

England and Greece are friends. English blood was shed on Greek soil in the war against fascism, and Greeks gave their lives to protect English pilots.

Read Churchill, he tells you how crucial was the Greek role in your decisive desert victory over Rommel.

And, of course, it must be asked: is it proper to transact with the Turks for the most reassured of Greek possessions when Greece is under Turkish invasion and subjugation?

There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles.

Much has been said and continues to be said of what little concern the Turks had for the Acropolis treasures.

I want to believe in a personal god who looks after me and my loved ones and knows every sparrow that falls. But the suffering of one single child, or more likely, millions is evidence against that belief. The one question I want to ask god: how do you explain or justify the suffering of a child?

After independence was gained, one of the first Acts passed by the Greek government was for the protection and preservation of national monuments.

In the world over, the very name of our country is immediately associated with the Parthenon.

Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing. In South America they throw flowers to you. In Greece Greeks throw themselves.

In Greece we're too poor to go to psychiatrists -- we have friends instead.

You know, it is said that we Greeks are a fervent and warm blooded breed. Well, let me tell you something - it is true.

You must understand what the Parthenon Marbles mean to us. They are our pride. They are our sacrifices. They are our noblest symbol of excellence. They are a tribute to the democratic philosophy. They are our aspirations and our name. They are the essence of Greekness.