James A. Michener, an American author renowned for his epic historical novels, left behind a legacy of profound wisdom encapsulated in his quotes. With a career spanning over six decades, Michener’s works not only entertained but also enlightened readers, delving deep into the intricacies of human nature, culture, and history. Born in 1907, Michener’s early life experiences, including his travels and service in the United States Navy during World War II, profoundly influenced his perspective on the world, which he eloquently expressed through his writings.
Throughout his prolific career, James A. Michener captivated audiences with his vivid storytelling and keen insights into the human condition. His literary masterpieces, such as Tales of the South Pacific, Hawaii, and Centennial, showcased his unparalleled ability to weave intricate narratives that spanned generations and continents, while also exploring timeless themes of love, resilience, and the quest for identity. Michener’s profound observations on life, society, and the human spirit continue to resonate with readers across the globe, inspiring contemplation and introspection.
Below, you will find a collection of James A. Michener’s most memorable quotes, each a testament to his profound understanding of the complexities of the human experience and the world we inhabit. Whether you seek inspiration, enlightenment, or simply a moment of reflection, Michener’s words are sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. James A. Michener
I’m just a guy up on a hill writing. James A. Michener
An age is called Dark not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it. James A. Michener
I have only one bit of advice to the beginning writer: Be sure your novel is read by Rodgers and Hammerstein. James A. Michener
Whenever I start a book, I swear it’s going to be a short one. But then it’s, ‘Who was his grandfather? And how did he get there in the first place? And what kind of animals is he chasing?’ James A. Michener
When I first pitched my Navy tent on the island of Espiritu Santo to the north of Vila, the natives on nearby Malakula were cannibals. Today, they have representation in the United Nations. James A. Michener
The really great writers are people like Emily Bronte who sit in a room and write out of their limited experience and unlimited imagination. James A. Michener
My work as a naval officer in World War II enabled me to serve on 49 different South Pacific islands so that I came to know the area about as well as anyone. James A. Michener
I was a Navy officer writing about Navy problems and I simply stole this lovely Army nurse and popped her into a Navy uniform, where she has done very well for herself. James A. Michener
Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries. James A. Michener
If I were a young man today, I might be lured into the moviemaking industry. You can really make a statement there. James A. Michener
Whatever I did, there was always someone around who was better qualified. They just didn’t bother to do it. James A. Michener
If a man happens to find himself, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life. James A. Michener
A person on dialysis undergoes very heavy and irritating treatment, and in time, it seems more than you can bear. James A. Michener
I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation. James A. Michener
I attended seminars where many social issues were discussed abstractly, outside the pressures of an immediate situation, and there I developed certain attitudes which permitted me to face the real thing when it came along. James A. Michener
Hawaii and Fiji are two of the best island groups in the world to visit as a vacationer. The great hotels, the fascinating local people, the exciting history of the two contrasting island groups, and the unmatched scenery make these two of the most enticing stopovers. James A. Michener
Honest to God, I do all the research on these books myself. James A. Michener
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions. James A. Michener
I am the product of the American education system. It is a system that has always been on the lookout for bright boys and girls. It spotted me when I was 14, and I owe a tremendous debt to my alma mater. James A. Michener
I can’t remember how old I was, maybe 13, 14, and to see these fellows and hear their stories and to see life come to such a drab ending – my God, a poorhouse in those days was something. You would have to be inert not to respond to it. James A. Michener
The arrogance of the artist is a very profound thing, and it fortifies you. James A. Michener
I missed a whole cycle of childhood, but I’ve never used it as a device for self-pity. James A. Michener
If you type adeptly with 10 fingers, you’re typing faster than your mind is working. James A. Michener
For this is the journey that men and women make, to find themselves. If they fail in this, it doesn’t matter much else what they find. James A. Michener
If there was a turning point for me, it was ‘The Bridges at Toko-Ri.’ It is a very fine short novel. But it gave me very little satisfaction. Really. I decided I wasn’t going to go down that avenue. James A. Michener
There are no insoluble problems. Only time-consuming ones. James A. Michener
I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter. James A. Michener
America is a nation with many flaws that only the stupid would deny, but with hopes so vast that only the cowardly would refuse to acknowledge them. James A. Michener
They were a group of two dozen nurses completely surrounded by 100,000 unattached American men. James A. Michener
It takes courage to know when you ought to be afraid. James A. Michener
Scientists dream about doing great things. Engineers do them. James A. Michener
I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century: that a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains. James A. Michener
I know the world of opera so intimately: historical sweep, sharply defined characters, not too rational an explanation of what’s going on. It’s a feast. James A. Michener
The permanent temptation of life is to confuse dreams with reality. The permanent defeat of life comes when dreams are surrendered to reality. James A. Michener
Very early on in life, I decided the hell with it: material things weren’t for me. Christmas would come, and other kids would have all these presents, and it wouldn’t bother me a bit. James A. Michener
Russia, France, Germany and China. They revere their writers. America is still a frontier country that almost shudders at the idea of creative expression. James A. Michener
