William Faulkner was an American author known for his rich storytelling and complex characters. His writing often captures deep emotions and the struggles of life, making his quotes memorable and thought-provoking. Faulkner used his words to paint vivid pictures of the American South, sharing insights into human nature and society.
Today, we will look at some of his most famous quotes. These quotes reflect his unique perspective on life, love, and the challenges we all face. Whether you are a fan of literature or just curious about his ideas, Faulkner’s words can inspire and resonate with everyone.
Faulkner Quotes
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – William Faulkner
This quote invites us to reflect on how our past continues to shape our present. We often carry memories and experiences with us, influencing our choices and feelings. By acknowledging our past, we can better understand ourselves and the paths we take in life. It reminds us that healing involves confronting and learning from what has come before.
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” – William Faulkner
“I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire; I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it.” – William Faulkner
“There is no such thing as was — only is.” – William Faulkner
“The only thing worth writing about is the human heart.” – William Faulkner
“I am no longer wholly convinced that I am a human being; I am a voice, an idea.” – William Faulkner
“A man is the sum of his actions, of what he has done, of what he can do, nothing else.” – William Faulkner
“The writer’s ability to evoke emotion or to elicit laughter is more important than what he writes about.” – William Faulkner
“You cannot take anything for granted.” – William Faulkner
“We are all the same, everyone’s a little bit crazy.” – William Faulkner
“In writing, you must kill all your darlings.” – William Faulkner
“I never know what I think until I write it down.” – William Faulkner
“A too-simple past is often an obstacle to the understanding of the present.” – William Faulkner
“We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in.” – William Faulkner
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” – William Faulkner
“One match lit in a place like this is worth a palace of lights.” – William Faulkner
“The past is a place that we cannot escape, no matter how much we wish to.” – William Faulkner
“The writer’s duty is to create the world anew.” – William Faulkner
“The best fiction is far more true than any journalism.” – William Faulkner
“Between grief and nothing, I will take grief.” – William Faulkner
“Don’t bother just to be better than your predecessors or competitors. True creative work is not about the competition but the uniqueness of the piece itself.” – William Faulkner
“We are all writers, and we all write our own stories.” – William Faulkner
“A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, but a little ignorance is not a bad thing.” – William Faulkner
“If the story is in you, it has to come out.” – William Faulkner
“It’s a funny thing, but some people will never be able to understand each other.” – William Faulkner
“The most essential part of life is knowing what the hell is going on.” – William Faulkner
“Memory believes before knowing remembers.” – William Faulkner
“Every man’s memory is his private literature.” – William Faulkner
“The future is not to be predicted, it is to be created.” – William Faulkner
“You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.” – William Faulkner
“We all have our reasons for doing what we do.” – William Faulkner
“People like to judge others without knowing the whole story.” – William Faulkner
“Life is not about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself.” – William Faulkner
“Your job is to be the best you you can be.” – William Faulkner
“If I were asked to name the greatest poet of the 20th century, I would have to say Shakespeare was the last great poet of the 19th century.” – William Faulkner
“I don’t write to escape; I write to taste life twice.” – William Faulkner
“The hardest thing to write about is the truth.” – William Faulkner
“Life is about how we handle the challenges that come our way.” – William Faulkner
“The essence of our character comes from how we treat others.” – William Faulkner
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – William Faulkner
“The world is full of beauty, but not everyone chooses to see it.” – William Faulkner
“You can’t win a game if you refuse to play.” – William Faulkner
“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.” – William Faulkner
“Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they have the right mindset.” – William Faulkner
“We often forget that we are human and have the power to change our lives.” – William Faulkner
“Everything is a story until you choose to let it go.” – William Faulkner
“Contradiction is merely the capacity for growth.” – William Faulkner
“Sometimes I feel like a ghost, floating through life and watching the world go by.” – William Faulkner
“Love is the greatest adventure we can embark on.” – William Faulkner
“No matter where you go, you take yourself with you.” – William Faulkner
“The boundaries of the mind are only as wide as we allow them to be.” – William Faulkner
“Sometimes it’s necessary to get lost in order to find your way home.” – William Faulkner
“The greatest stories are often the ones we never dare to tell.” – William Faulkner
“Life is a series of choices; choose wisely.” – William Faulkner
“Sometimes, the beauty of life lies in its unpredictability.” – William Faulkner
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – William Faulkner
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” – William Faulkner
Final Thoughts
Reading these quotes from William Faulkner reveals valuable insights about life and our experiences. We see how he beautifully navigated the complexities of human emotions and relationships. His words encourage us to embrace our stories and share our truths, reminding us that we all have a unique journey.
As we explore our identities, we can draw inspiration from Faulkner’s reflections on perseverance, creativity, and love. His thoughts resonate with the idea that our stories matter, and they can connect us with others, allowing for empathy and understanding.
Let’s carry these lessons with us as we engage with the world. If you enjoyed these quotes, consider exploring more topics such as famous quotes to live by or even funny quotes. There’s always more wisdom to discover!