Douglas Preston Quotes

Powerful Douglas Preston for Daily Growth

About Douglas Preston

Douglas Preston (born January 14, 1956) is an American novelist, editor, and palaeontologist known for his collaborative thriller novels with Lincoln Child, as well as non-fiction works about archaeology and palaeontology. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Douglas Preston grew up in a family that fostered his curiosity for the natural world. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Biological Anthropology at Dartmouth College, followed by a Master's in Palaeontology from Harvard University. His academic background would significantly influence his writing, often incorporating archaeological and palaeontological themes into his works. After working as an editor for the Natural History Museum in New York City, Preston decided to pursue a career in writing. In 1993, he published his debut novel, 'City of Bones', which was well-received and marked the beginning of his successful collaboration with Lincoln Child. Their series, 'The Pendergast Series', is renowned for its unique blend of adventure, mystery, and science, featuring the eccentric special agent Aloysius Pendergast. In addition to the Pendergast novels, Preston has written standalone thrillers such as 'The Relic' (1995), 'The Lost City of the Monkey God' (2017), and 'Crimson Shore' (2018). His non-fiction works include 'Tyrannosaur Canyon: The Search for America's First Dinosaurs' (1993) and 'The Cabinet of Curiosities' (2015), which explore his passion for palaeontology. Throughout his career, Douglas Preston has been recognized for his unique storytelling and extensive knowledge of science, earning him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. His works continue to captivate readers with their thrilling narratives and rich detail, cementing his place as a significant figure in the literary world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a ride!'"

Douglas Preston's quote encourages living life with passion, adventure, and zest, rather than focusing solely on preserving one's health and longevity. It suggests embracing experiences fully, taking risks, and enjoying the journey, not just aiming to reach the end safely and uneventfully. The exhilarating ride symbolizes a life well-lived, filled with excitement and adventure, rather than one lived cautiously and conservatively. In essence, it is a call to seize the day and live life to its fullest potential.

"The truth, when it comes, is rarely comfortable or convenient."

This quote by Douglas Preston highlights that truth, in its purest form, often contradicts our comforts and convenience. It encourages us to embrace the difficult reality instead of shying away from it, as the truth ultimately brings authenticity and growth in life.

"The universe is not required to be in our favor as we attempt to travel through it."

This quote suggests that the universe does not inherently work towards our advantage or benefit, even when we embark on journeys, endeavors, or explorations. It underscores the challenging nature of life and the fact that success is not guaranteed, but rather depends on personal effort, preparation, and sometimes a touch of luck. It serves as a reminder to be resilient and persistent in the face of adversity when pursuing our goals.

"Fear is the most powerful of all emotions; it can immobilize us or drive us forward, but it is always with us."

Douglas Preston's quote underscores the profound impact fear has on human behavior and emotion. Fear, as an inherent response to perceived threats or dangers, can act as a strong motivator, compelling individuals to either freeze in their tracks or take action, thus propelling them forward. The quote emphasizes that fear is omnipresent in our lives, underscoring its constant presence as an influential emotion that shapes our actions and decisions.

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."

This quote highlights the profound and enduring nature of books as companions, offering comfort, wisdom, and instruction. Unlike human relationships which may be fleeting or unpredictable, books are steadfast friends that can be accessed at any time, providing a wealth of knowledge and understanding without judgment or interruption. Books serve as patient teachers, guiding us through various topics, offering insights, and broadening our perspectives - all while remaining silent listeners when we need to reflect or ponder. In essence, books are a reliable source of companionship, wisdom, and growth.

My hobbies are mountain biking, horseback riding and packing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, camping, cooking, and skiing.

- Douglas Preston

Camping, Skiing, Hiking, Biking

When I'm writing fiction I'm thinking, God, this is so hard - I have to make all this stuff up! I wish I were writing a nonfiction book where all the facts are laid out and I don't have to be so much at sea.

- Douglas Preston

Book, Thinking, Fiction, Nonfiction

I'm pretty much a 9-to-5 kind of guy. I usually get to work about 8 in the morning, and I work until 4 or 5, and sometimes I work on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Pretty much I keep the same hours as an accountant or clerk or whatever.

- Douglas Preston

Accountant, Saturday, About, Clerk

Hubris and science are incompatible.

- Douglas Preston

Science, Hubris, Incompatible

I need to write in a small room - the smaller the better. I can't write in a big room where someone might sneak up behind my back.

- Douglas Preston

Small, Big, Behind, Sneak

My first job was washing dishes in the basement of a nursing home for $2.10 an hour, and I learned as much about the value of hard work there as I ever did later.

- Douglas Preston

Work, Nursing Home, Basement, First Job

I would have to say the novel 'War and Peace' influenced me more than any other book. This greatest of novels demonstrated to me the enormous power of literature and fired me up with a desire to become a writer, to participate in what I considered then to be the greatest of all endeavors.

- Douglas Preston

Book, Other, Influenced, Endeavors

There is nothing inherently wrong about science.

- Douglas Preston

Science, Nothing, About, Inherently

There are so many journalists out there, I hate to say it, who are lazy and don't do their research - and it shows.

- Douglas Preston

Lazy, Say, Many, Journalists

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