Ernest Poole Quotes

Powerful Ernest Poole for Daily Growth

About Ernest Poole

Ernest Poole (1880-1937), an influential figure in American literature during the early 20th century, was born on March 4, 1880, in Jamestown, New York. Known for his profound exploration of social issues and moral complexities, he left a significant impact on American fiction. Poole attended Cornell University but did not complete his studies. Instead, he embarked on a career as a journalist, working for various newspapers in New York City before publishing his first novel, "The Harbor" (1908), which received mixed reviews. However, his second novel, "His Family" (1911), marked the beginning of Poole's literary success. This work was notable for its exploration of moral ambiguity and its depiction of the harsh realities of working-class life in America, themes that would become hallmarks of his writing. In 1915, Poole published "Plumes," a novel that delved into the darker side of the fashion industry, earning him critical acclaim. However, it was his magnum opus, "Octavia" (1919), that cemented his place in American literature. This powerful and provocative work explored racial tensions in the post-Civil War South and was praised for its emotional depth and social relevance. Poole's later works, such as "The Last Adam" (1920) and "The Lost Spring" (1925), continued to address complex social issues while demonstrating his unique storytelling abilities. Despite his literary success, Poole faced financial struggles and died in relative obscurity on March 23, 1937. Today, Ernest Poole is remembered as a compelling voice in American literature, whose works continue to resonate with readers for their raw emotional power and incisive social commentary. His enduring legacy serves as a testament to the transformative capacity of literature in shaping societal discourse.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."

This quote by Ernest Poole suggests that courage doesn't mean being completely fearless, but rather it's the ability to recognize that something else - often a higher value or principle - is more significant than fear itself. It highlights that courage lies in making decisions based on what truly matters in life, even when confronted with fear or apprehension.


"We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is largely growth."

The quote emphasizes the importance of daring to strive for greatness in life, while also acknowledging that growth plays a significant role in achieving greatness. It suggests that one should not shy away from ambition or set limits on potential, but rather embrace challenges and opportunities to expand personally and professionally. Greatness is not just an instantaneous state, but rather a journey of continuous personal development and growth.


"Life is too short for small dreams and petty schemes; let us reach out toward the stars, and let our ambitions be commensurate with our vast potentialities."

This quote encourages people to aim high and strive for significant achievements in life. It suggests that setting modest goals or engaging in trivial pursuits is not fulfilling one's true potential. Instead, we should stretch ourselves to reach lofty aspirations, which aligns with our immense capabilities as individuals and humanity. In essence, the quote inspires us to dream big, challenge ourselves, and make a meaningful impact on our world.


"To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering."

This quote by Ernest Poole suggests that life inherently involves pain and hardship (to live is to suffer), but what sets us apart from simply existing is our ability to find purpose or significance in those challenges (to survive is to find meaning). In other words, it's not just enduring the struggles that defines us, but rather how we transform them into something meaningful and valuable. This perspective encourages resilience and growth amidst adversity.


"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

This quote by Ernest Poole suggests that our doubts, fears, or hesitations about the present can potentially restrict our ability to achieve a brighter future. It encourages us to overcome these inhibiting thoughts so we can fully embrace the potential opportunities and possibilities that tomorrow holds, thereby realizing a more promising future. In other words, let go of today's uncertainties to unlock the full potential of tomorrow.


Here we grow the flax and grain; here we raise the meat they eat, and the wool to keep them warm; we cut trees to build their houses and firewood to heat their stoves.

- Ernest Poole

Heat, Here, Wool, Grain

What kind of crops do they raise in the towns? Only Grand Dukes, Bolsheviks and drunkards!

- Ernest Poole

Kind, Towns, Raise, Drunkards

All the real things in Russia are done in the villages.

- Ernest Poole

Real, Things, Villages, Russia

The trouble with those people is that they think all the best things are made in the cities. It is not so.

- Ernest Poole

Think, Made, Things, Cities

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