I think your life is governed not by the bricks or mortar around you, it’s governed by who holds your hand and who spits in your eye.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that the most important things in life are not the physical things around you, like buildings or possessions. Instead, what really matters are the people in your life - those who support and care for you, and those who try to hurt or disrespect you. The people you choose to let into your life, and how you respond to them, have a much bigger impact on your life than your surroundings or material things.

About David McCallum

David McCallum, a Scottish actor and musician, gained fame in the 1960s for playing secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He also had notable roles in films and other TV shows, and later became popular for his long-running role as Dr. Mallard in the NCIS series, until his passing in 2023.

More about the author

More quotes from David McCallum

In a few hundred years you have achieved in America what it took thousands of years to achieve in Europe.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

But so far as countries are concerned, I don’t go to a place to see what’s there, but who is there.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

I didn’t want to be famous. I just wanted to earn enough money to have a nice life and enjoy acting.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

People who know, know. The others, it really doesn’t matter.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

I’ve never outgrown my childhood.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

Fear, conformity, immorality: these are heavy burdens. They drain us of creative energy. And when we are drained of creative energy, we do not create. We procreate, but we do not create.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

Savor the mystery, Stephen, we don’t get enough of them.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

I feel it’s a person’s duty to participate in the governing of the country in which he lives.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

I think your life is governed not by the bricks or mortar around you, it’s governed by who holds your hand and who spits in your eye.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

We should learn to live and love our neighbors as ourselves for the sake of peace and progress.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)

If I had no family, my wife and I would lead a much more romantic and nomadic existence.

David McCallum

Scottish actor (1933-2023)