Thornton Wilder, one of the most celebrated American novelists, was born in 1897 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was a teacher, a soldier, and a journalist. He has written novels and plays that have earned him critical acclaim and popular success. He won three Pulitzer Prizes for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey and his plays Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth. He also won a National Book Award for his novel, The Eighth Day. His works are full of wisdom and insight, and many of the Thornton Wilder quotes have become famous and inspiring.
He was a master of storytelling who used innovative techniques and diverse genres to explore the connection between the commonplace and the cosmic dimensions of human experience. His works are full of humor, wisdom, and compassion, and they reflect his views of the universal truths of human nature.
Here are 15 Thornton Wilder quotes that will make you think, feel, and wonder about the mysteries and marvels of life. We hope you enjoy them and find them meaningful and relevant to your own situation.
- “Every child born into the world is nature’s attempt to make a perfect human being.”
Nature, through the process of evolution, is constantly striving to create the ideal human being, and each child represents a new attempt at achieving that goal.
- “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
True happiness comes not from accumulating possessions, but from recognizing and cherishing what we already have.
- “Ninety-nine percent of the people in the world are fools and the rest of us are in great danger of contagion.”
The vast majority of people are foolish and vulnerable to misinformation and poor judgment. The remaining 1% are presumably considered wise but at risk of being contaminated by the foolishness of the masses.
- “My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate.”
Savor the present moment and appreciate simple pleasures without overthinking or worrying about the future.
- “There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.”
Love becomes the bridge between the living and the dead, ensuring our memories and the impact we have on others continue beyond our physical existence.
- “Every good thing in the world stands on the razor-edge of danger.”
Just like a razor edge is thin and easily damaged, even the most positive aspects of life can be lost or destroyed.
- “When you’re safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you’re having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.”
Humans crave both comfort and excitement and often find ourselves wishing for the opposite of what we have.
- “There is no need for me to curse you -the murderer survives the victim only to learn that it was himself that he longed to be rid of. Hatred is self-hatred.”
The hatred directed towards others reflects self-hatred.
- “Every person who has ever lived has lived an unbroken succession of unique occasions.”
Cherish and appreciate the fleeting beauty of each moment.
- “Imprisonment of the body is bitter; imprisonment of the mind is worse”
The mind is our greatest prison, and achieving true freedom lies in breaking free from its limitations.
- “The best thing about animals is that they don’t talk much.”
Humans can be tiresome with their excessive talking. Animals, on the other hand, are often better companions than humans because they communicate through actions and emotions rather than words, which can be misleading or hurtful.
- “Marriage is a bribe to make the housekeeper think she’s a householder.”
Marriage is not a true partnership, but rather a way for men to secure domestic services from women under the guise of love and commitment.
- “Nature reserves the right to inflict upon her children the most terrifying jests.”
Nature can be unpredictable and cruel, even to those it has created.
- “There’s nothing like eavesdropping to show you that the world outside your head is different from the world inside your head.”
By listening to others’ conversations (eavesdropping), we realize that our own thoughts and experiences don’t represent the entire world.
- “Man is not an end but a beginning. We are at the beginning of the second week. We are children of the eighth day.”
Humanity is still in its early stages of development. We are not the ultimate goal of existence, but rather the starting point for something greater.
In conclusion, Thornton Wilder was a wise and witty writer who gave us some amazing quotes. Thornton Wilder quotes show us how to live fully, love deeply, and laugh often. They also challenge us to think differently, act bravely, and grow constantly. We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post on Thornton Wilder quotes and found them inspiring and relevant to your life. Thank you for visiting our article.
Also Read: Echoes of Insight: Neil Gaiman Quotes Revealed in Literary Splendor
