Brecht - Conversations

"We can't go on talking to each other," said Mr. K. to a man.
"Why not?" asked the latter, taken back.
"In your presence I am incapable of saying anything intelligent," complained Mr. K.
"But I really don't mind," the other comforted him.
"That I can believe," said Mr. K. angrily, "but I mind."


--- Stories of  Mr. Keuner

Brecht - The hopeless boy

Mr. K. talked about the bad habit of silently allowing an injustice suffered to eat at one, and told the following story:

A boy was crying to himself and a passerby asked what was wrong.
'I have saved two dimes for the movies,' said the boy, 'when a big lad came and grabbed one from me,' and he pointed at a lad who could be seen some distance away.
'Did you not shout for help?' asked the man.
'I did,' said the boy and sobbed a little more loudly.
'And didn't anyone hear you?' the man went on, stroking him fondly.
'No,' sobbed the boy and looked at the man with new hope.
'Then give me that one as well,' said the man and took the second dime out of the boy's hand and walked away unconcerned.

--- Stories of  Mr. Keuner

Brecht - The question of whether there is a God

A man asked Mr. K. whether there is a God.

Mr. K. said: "I advise you to consider whether, depending on the answer, your behavior would change. If it would not change, then we can drop the question. If it would change, then I can at least be of help to the extent that I can say, you have already decided: you need a God."

--- Stories of  Mr. Keuner

Brecht - Hardships of the best

"What are you working on?" Mr. K.was asked.
Mr. K. replied: "I'm having a hard time, I'm preparing my next mistake."

--- Stories of  Mr. Keuner

Brecht - Of the bears of knowledge

He who bears knowledge must not fight, nor tell the truth, nor do a service, nor not eat, nor refuse honors, nor be conspicuous. He who bears knowledge has only one virtue: that he bears knowledge. said Mr. Keuner.

--- Stories of  Mr. Keuner.