"Even against the greatest of odds, there is something in the human spirit - a magic blend of skill, faith, and valor - that can lift men from certain defeat to incredible victory."
Walter Lord
Author, Historian
Walter Lord was a notable American author known for his detailed historical narratives, particularly 'A Night to Remember' about the Titanic disaster.
- Born
- October 8, 1925
- Died
- May 19, 2007
- Quotes
- 10
- Rank
- #5478
About Walter Lord
Walter Lord — Life and Legacy
Walter Lord was an influential American author recognized for his meticulous historical narratives that brought past events to life. His most famous work, 'A Night to Remember,' provides a gripping account of the Titanic disaster, illustrating not only the tragedy itself but also the human experiences intertwined with it. Lord's writing reflects a deep understanding of how history shapes individual lives and collective memory. He once stated, 'The past is never dead. It's not even past,' revealing his belief in the enduring impact of history on the present. Through his narratives, Lord challenged readers to confront the complexities of human nature and decision-making during crises. His works remain significant today, as they encourage a deeper reflection on how historical events continue to resonate in contemporary society.
Quote collection
Walter Lord quotes
10 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Events alone rarely provide much guide to the future."
"Brilliantly lit from stem to stern, she looked like a sagging birthday cake."
"It's a funny thing, but today the Titanic is probably much more - that is people are much more aware of it than they were in 1954, when I was doing my research."
"I look for something that is highly unusual, involving ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations."
"It would be nice to say the rich people, the fancy people, all behaved like bastards and the poor slobs all came through like heroes. But as a matter of fact, sometimes the poor slobs behave like slobs and the great, noble, privileged characters come off very well, indeed."
"There were exceptions, a couple of families that just plain didn't want to even think about it, although forty years had passed but mostly the people were very interested in talking about it."
"Someone once told me the one thread that runs through them all is a premium on personal courage - not intellectual courage, but just plain physical courage."
"I never earned a dollar that was not somehow through writing."
"The ones that measure up are not always the ones you expect."