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Bernard Devoto Quotes

Powerful Bernard Devoto for Daily Growth

About Bernard Devoto

Bernard De Voto (June 15, 1897 – April 27, 1955) was an influential American historian, essayist, novelist, and literary critic. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he grew up surrounded by intellectual stimuli as his father was a professor of Greek at Harvard University. De Voto's early influences included his parents, who nurtured his love for literature, and authors like Mark Twain, Herman Melville, and Henry David Thoreau. De Voto served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. Post-war, he worked as an editor for several magazines, eventually becoming the managing editor of Harper's Magazine. He began his writing career with fiction, publishing several novels such as "The Haidarites" (1927) and "At Seventy" (1936). However, it was his transition to non-fiction that brought him significant acclaim. De Voto's major works include "Across the Wide Missouri" (1947), a historical account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1949; "The Year of Decision: 1846" (1950); and "The Course of Empire" (1952), a four-volume study of American imperialism. His work often focused on American history, particularly the frontier period and the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans. De Voto was known for his distinctive writing style, characterized by wit, lucidity, and a profound sense of humanity. He passed away in 1955, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to influence historians and literary critics today. His quotes reflect his belief in the importance of understanding history, particularly America's past, to shape a better future: "The past is not dead; it isn't even past."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"There is no such thing as a free lunch."

The quote "There is no such thing as a free lunch" by Bernard Devoto is a metaphorical statement that implies that everything has a cost, whether it's apparent or not. It suggests that nothing comes without some form of compensation, be it monetary, effort, time, sacrifice, or other resources. Essentially, the quote encourages us to be mindful of the consequences and costs associated with any action, decision, or opportunity we pursue.

"The great American novel has never been written. The United States possesses all the requisite elements: it has a rich and varied landscape, a vast diversity of social classes and ethnic groups, a complex and fascinating history, and an abundance of larger-than-life characters. Yet it lacks a novelist with the genius to create a work that truly encompasses this country's unique spirit."

Bernard DeVoto's quote suggests that despite the abundance of elements necessary for creating a great American novel, such as diverse landscapes, social classes, ethnic groups, complex history, and larger-than-life characters, no single work has managed to encapsulate America's unique spirit in its entirety. This implies a challenge for future authors to craft a narrative that successfully reflects the rich tapestry of the United States, its history, and its diverse cultural fabric.

"Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects."

This quote emphasizes the universal nature of ignorance, suggesting that every individual has areas of knowledge or understanding they are yet to explore or master. It serves as a humble reminder that no one possesses comprehensive knowledge in all fields; we all have unique blind spots and limitations in our learning journey. This insight encourages empathy, patience, and curiosity towards others and ourselves as we strive to expand our horizons and grow intellectually.

"It is said that democracy has been replaced by bureaucracy. The American metamorphosis is nearly complete."

This quote suggests that the ideal principles of democracy, characterized by freedom, equality, and direct participation of citizens in governance, have been gradually overshadowed by a system dominated by bureaucracy, which is marked by rigid rules, hierarchical structures, and a lack of individual influence. The "American metamorphosis" refers to the transformation of America's democratic values into a system that is more characterized by bureaucratic control and less by the direct will of the people, indicating a shift in the balance of power away from citizens towards institutions and officials.

"The tramp, the hobo, the bum--deadbeat, derelict, bummer, vagabond--calls himself the 'underground man.' He claims to represent the true spirit of America, which he defines as restless, independent, adventurous, and nonconformist."

The quote suggests that Bernard Devoto views the transient figures such as tramps, hobos, bums, etc., as representing the authentic spirit of America. This spirit is characterized by restlessness, independence, adventure, and a tendency to reject societal norms. These wanderers symbolize the adventurous and nonconformist nature that Devoto believes is inherent in American culture.

The rat stops gnawing in the wood, the dungeon walls withdraw, the weight is lifted your pulse steadies and the sun has found your heart, the day was not bad, the season has not been bad, there is sense and even promise in going on.

- Bernard DeVoto

Rat, Been, Gnawing, Pulse

The proper union of gin and vermouth is a great and sudden glory; it is one of the happiest marriages on earth, and one of the shortest lived.

- Bernard DeVoto

Union, Happiest, Proper, Gin

The trouble with Reason is that it becomes meaningless at the exact point where it refuses to act.

- Bernard DeVoto

Trouble, Reason, Act, Exact

The mind has its own logic but does not often let others in on it.

- Bernard DeVoto

Mind, Own, Does, Logic

Pessimism is only the name that men of weak nerves give to wisdom.

- Bernard DeVoto

Men, Give, Pessimism, Nerves

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