Anthony Powell Quotes

Powerful Anthony Powell for Daily Growth

About Anthony Powell

Anthony Powell (1905-2000), an esteemed British novelist and critic, was born as Lewis Christmas Powell on January 28, 1905, in London. His father was a prominent barrister, while his mother was a pianist. The family moved to Sussex when he was young, where he attended Lancing College. Powell's early life was marked by a strong interest in music, and he even considered becoming a professional pianist. However, World War I interrupted these plans, and he served as a junior officer in the Royal Artillery. This experience left an indelible impact on him, particularly in shaping his cynical yet witty worldview that would later permeate his work. Upon returning from the war, Powell studied English at Cambridge University. It was here that he began writing seriously, publishing his first novel, "At Sixes and Sevens," in 1931. However, it wasn't until "A Question of Upbringing" (1951), the first installment of the twelve-volume series "A Dance to the Music of Time," that he achieved widespread recognition. This magnum opus is considered one of the greatest novel sequences in English literature, chronicling the lives of a group of friends from the 1920s to the 1970s, reflecting on the social and cultural changes during this period. Throughout his career, Powell was also a distinguished critic for "The Spectator" and "Encounter," and received numerous awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the David Cohen Prize. He passed away in London on December 28, 2000, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to captivate readers with its intricate narratives and astute social commentary.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Time was never on our side."

This quote by Anthony Powell signifies a situation or journey where progress is slow, hindered, or constantly delayed. It suggests that the passage of time has been an adversary rather than an ally, possibly due to external factors, poor planning, or unforeseen circumstances. The sentiment can apply to various contexts such as personal growth, professional endeavors, relationships, or even historical events where success seems elusive despite the lapse of time.


"The past is a rather dull and flat place, but we have to live in it all our lives."

This quote by Anthony Powell suggests that the past may not be as vibrant, exciting, or engaging as our memories of it often are. Instead, it's a more mundane, monotonous realm. However, we're bound to it because it forms the foundation upon which we build our present and future lives. Essentially, he's reminding us that while the past may not be as glamorous as we might think, understanding it is crucial for our growth and progress.


"There are few real paradoxes; most of them are merely unresolved antitheses."

This quote suggests that while we often encounter seeming paradoxes in life, many so-called paradoxes can be resolved by further examination or understanding, revealing they are actually contradictory ideas (antitheses) rather than true paradoxes, which imply the coexistence of two seemingly inconsistent elements. In other words, most apparent paradoxes can be understood and explained, offering insight into their underlying truths.


"Happiness is the luxury of being able to take for granted."

This quote suggests that happiness is not just about experiencing moments of joy, but also about having a level of comfort and security in one's life where certain aspects can be taken for granted - without worry or fear. It implies that true happiness often comes from being in a position where basic needs are met and daily routines can be carried out with ease, allowing us to appreciate and enjoy the world around us without constant concern.


"The truth is that we're all alone, and we always have been, even when we're together with others."

This quote suggests a fundamental solitude inherent in the human condition, despite our ability to interact and coexist with others. It implies that each individual carries their unique experiences, thoughts, emotions, and perspectives, creating a separation or isolation even when in physical proximity with others. In essence, it emphasizes that while we may share spaces, relationships, and moments, our inner worlds remain largely independent and self-contained.


People think that because a novel's invented, it isn't true. Exactly the reverse is the case. Biography and memoirs can never be wholly true, since they cannot include every conceivable circumstance of what happened. The novel can do that.

- Anthony Powell

Think, Include, Memoirs, Circumstance

Books do furnish a room.

- Anthony Powell

Room, Books, Furnish

Self-love seems so often unrequited.

- Anthony Powell

Self-Love, Often, Seems, Unrequited

He fell in love with himself at first sight, and it is a passion to which he has always remained faithful. Self-love seems so often unrequited.

- Anthony Powell

Love, Always, Which, Unrequited

Parents - especially step-parents - are sometimes a bit of a disappointment to their children. They don't fulfill the promise of their early years.

- Anthony Powell

Sometimes, Promise, Fulfill, Early Years

Parents are sometimes a bit of a disappointment to their children. They don't fulfill the promise of their early years.

- Anthony Powell

Sometimes, Promise, Fulfill, Early Years

Few persons who have ever sat for a portrait can have felt anything but inferior while the process is going on.

- Anthony Powell

Process, Persons, Ever, Portrait

Growing old's like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven't committed.

- Anthony Powell

Growing, Like, Increasingly, Penalized

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