James Thurber

Cartoonist, Author

James Thurber was an American cartoonist and writer known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on human nature, particularly in works like 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.'

Born
December 8, 1894
Died
January 2, 1961
Quotes
169
Rank
#468

About James Thurber

James Thurber — Life and Legacy

James Thurber was a prominent American writer and cartoonist whose work delves into the complexities of human nature and the absurdities of everyday life. His distinctive voice is exemplified in his celebrated story, 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,' which explores the tension between mundane reality and the rich inner lives of individuals. Through his humor, Thurber reveals the contradictions inherent in human behavior, as seen in his quote, 'It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers,' which underscores the value of curiosity over certainty. Thurber's keen observations often highlight the absurdity of social norms and expectations. His quote, 'The wit knows that his place is at the tail of a procession,' reflects his belief in the understated power of humor, suggesting that true insight often comes from a position of observation rather than authority. This perspective allows readers to engage with the complexities of their own lives while finding solace in shared human experiences. Today, Thurber's quotes resonate with audiences as they continue to reflect the intricacies of human relationships and the humor found in life's challenges. His ability to articulate the absurdities of existence makes his work timeless, encouraging readers to embrace their own quirks and imperfections.

Quote collection

James Thurber quotes (page 1 of 9)

169 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

James Thurber Cartoonist, Author
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"It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers."

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"There are two kinds of light - the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures."

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"But what is all this fear of and opposition to Oblivion? What is the matter with the soft Darkness, the Dreamless Sleep?"

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"Women are wiser than men because they know less and understand more."

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"Time is for dragonflies and angels. The former live too little and the latter live too long."

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"All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why."

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"Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness."

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"I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness."

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"The most dangerous food is wedding cake."

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"Man has gone long enough, or even too long, without being man enough to face the simple truth that the trouble with man is man."

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"Art – the one achievement of man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised"

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"The nation that complacently and fearfully allows its artists and writers to become suspected rather than respected is no longer regarded as a nation possessed with humor or depth."

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"I think that maybe if women and children were in charge we would get somewhere."

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"I never had a dog that showed a human fear of death. Death, to a dog, is the final unavoidable compulsion, the least ineluctable scent on a fearsome trail, but they like to face it alone, going out into the woods, among the leaves, if there are any leaves when their time comes, enduring without sentimental human distraction the Last Loneliness, which they are wise enough to know cannot be shared by anyone."

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"Two is company, four is a party, three is a crowd. One is a wanderer."

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"The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his."

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"I am not a cat man, but a dog man, and all felines can tell this at a glance - a sharp, vindictive glance."

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