Wilbur Smith

Author

Wilbur Smith was a South African author known for his historical novels set in Africa, particularly 'River God,' which explores themes of adventure and survival.

Born
January 24, 1933
Quotes
50
Rank
#5708

About Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith — Life and Legacy

Wilbur Smith is a renowned South African author celebrated for his gripping historical novels that vividly depict the African landscape and its rich history. His works, such as 'River God,' not only entertain but also delve into the complexities of human nature and survival against the backdrop of Africa's wild beauty. Smith's core philosophy revolves around the idea that adventure is intrinsic to the human spirit, as reflected in his memorable quotes. For instance, he often illustrates how the quest for freedom and exploration drives his characters, revealing their inner conflicts and desires. In his narratives, Smith challenges conventional notions of survival, portraying it as a multifaceted struggle that encompasses both physical endurance and emotional resilience. His characters frequently confront the harsh realities of nature, which he describes as both a nurturing and a threatening force. This duality is evident in his quotes, which resonate with readers seeking to understand the complexities of life. Today, Wilbur Smith's insights continue to resonate, inspiring readers to embrace adventure and confront their own challenges. His ability to weave profound themes into engaging storytelling ensures that his work remains impactful, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the wild and untamed aspects of life.

Quote collection

Wilbur Smith quotes (page 1 of 3)

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

Wilbur Smith Author
Popular

"It was this same Jesus, the Christ who, among many other remarkable things, said and repeated something which, proceeding from any other being would have condemned him at once as either a bloated egotist or a dangerously unbalanced person...when He said He himself would rise again from the dead, the third day after He was crucified, He said something that only a fool would dare say, if he expected longer the devotion of any disciples-unless He was sure He was going to rise. No founder of any world religion known to men ever dared say a thing like that!"

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"It's a strange paradox that a man gifted with too many talents can fritter them all away without developing a single one to its full."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"I write my books in my head, and not in a specific study with a view. The view is from my inner eyes."

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"It's probably true that everyone has a book in them, although it may not be a very good one."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"Failure makes success so much sweeter, and allows you to thumb your nose at the crowds."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"A man follows the path laid out for him. He does his duty to God and his King. He does what he must do, not what pleases him. God's truth, boy, what kind of world would this be if every man did what pleased him alone? Who would plough the fields and reap the harvest, if every man had the right to say, 'I don't want to do that.' In this world there is a place for every man, but every man must know his place."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"They do say that socialism is the ideal philosophy-just as long as you have capitalists to pay for it."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"Cape Town's beaches are superb and while the water on the Atlantic side is damn cold, it's very pleasant on the other side. Bring your golf clubs if you play - Cape Town has some fabulous golf courses."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"When I vacate this sack of old bones I won't care what you do with it. Bury or burn it but don't make much fuss."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"I go on a hunting safari at least once a year to Botswana, which is fantastic because we have a huge area of wilderness entirely to ourselves. My island covers roughly 55 acres, which again I have to myself, with nearly half a kilometre of private beach with my own jetties and boats."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"Sometimes it is best for men not to attempt to interfere with destiny. Our prayers can be answered in ways which we do not expect and do not welcome."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"I don't want children. Why should I let some strange little monster into my life to destroy what to me is a perfect set-up?"

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"Politicians all over the world cater to domestic vote banks. They will spend only on what their constituents want. So unless there is a grass root green movement in a nation the politicians will not be willing to spend money on curbing emissions. More awareness is needed amongst the people to effect the real change in how governments spend."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"I wanted to be a great white hunter, a prospector for gold, or a slave trader. But then, when I was eight, my parents sent me to a boarding school in South Africa. It was the equivalent of a British public school with cold showers, beatings and rotten food. But what it also had was a library full of books."

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"Write for yourself, not for a perceived audience. If you do, you'll mostly fall flat on your face, because it's impossible to judge what people want. And you have to read. That's how you learn what is good writing and what is bad. Then the main thing is application. It's hard work."

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"You don't turn out as many books as I did then by sitting around, being cozy with the family."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"All my characters have got a big slice of me in them. A big piece of me, because it's my dialogue and this is the way I think and talk."

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Wilbur Smith Author
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"At the age of 12 I won the school prize for Best English Essay. The prize was a copy of Somerset Maugham's 'Introduction To Modern English And American Literature.' To this day I keep it on the shelf between my collection of Forester's works and the little urn that contains my mother's ashes."

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