Fletcher Knebel Quotes

Powerful Fletcher Knebel for Daily Growth

About Fletcher Knebel

Fletcher Knebel (September 9, 1926 - November 5, 2003) was an acclaimed American author and political commentator, best known for his insightful novels that delved into the intricacies of American politics and power structures. Born in Washington D.C., Knebel grew up amidst the rich political tapestry of the nation's capital, which undoubtedly influenced his later works. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Knebel attended the University of Missouri School of Journalism and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. He began his career as a journalist, working for newspapers such as the Baltimore Sun and St. Louis Post-Dispatch before turning to writing fiction full-time in the 1960s. Knebel's first major work, "The Harvest of Our Anger," published in 1958, was a prophetic novel about the rise of McCarthyism and the dangers of political extremism. However, it was his next book, "Seven Days in May" (1962), co-authored with Arthur Hailey, that catapulted him to fame. The thriller depicted an attempted military coup against a democratically elected U.S. President and sparked widespread debate about the balance of power within the American government. Knebel's subsequent works continued to explore political themes, often focusing on the darker aspects of power and the potential for corruption. Notable among these are "The Complexity of Coincidence" (1968), "The Predator's Ball" (1973), and "First City" (1977). Throughout his life, Knebel was a keen observer of American politics, often using his novels to critique and comment on the contemporary political landscape. His work continues to resonate today, providing insightful commentary on issues that remain relevant in modern times.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Darkness is just the space between the stars."

This quote by Fletcher Knebel suggests that darkness, often associated with negativity or uncertainty, can also be a place of potential and possibility - the "space" where new ideas or opportunities emerge, much like how stars exist amidst the vast expanse of the universe. It encourages us to find meaning and purpose even in seemingly challenging or uncertain times, as these moments may hold the seeds for growth and transformation.


"The truth is that all men have ulterior motives...the good ones as well as the bad."

This quote by Fletcher Knebel suggests that every individual, regardless of their moral standing, has underlying self-interests or motivations guiding their actions. It underscores the idea that people's behavior is not always driven solely by altruism or benevolence but also by personal gain or ambition. The quote reminds us that it's important to consider and understand the various motivations behind someone's actions, as they may not always be apparent on the surface.


"The first casualty when war comes is truth."

Fletcher Knebel's quote "The first casualty when war comes is truth" highlights the erosion of honesty and accuracy that often occurs during conflict or any high-stakes situation. It suggests that in times of war, propaganda and misinformation can be used strategically to manipulate public opinion, suppress dissent, and gain an advantage over adversaries. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and valuing truth in all circumstances, especially during turbulent times when it may be under attack or distorted.


"The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know."

This quote suggests that while the physical world around us may not change fundamentally, human understanding and knowledge about it are constantly evolving. The "new" or novel aspects of our world reside in the stories, events, ideas, and perspectives yet to be discovered, understood, or recorded. Essentially, Fletcher Knebel is reminding us that learning, exploration, and historical awareness are crucial for personal growth and societal progress.


"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen."

This quote suggests that once we acquire a few ideas, our ability to generate more ideas increases exponentially, much like breeding rabbits. It implies that as we become comfortable with the process of ideation, we can efficiently and effectively produce an abundance of creative thoughts and solutions.


Statesmanship is harder than politics. Politics is the art of getting along with people, whereas statesmanship is the art of getting along with politicians.

- Fletcher Knebel

Art, Politics, Getting, Statesmanship

Our forefathers made one mistake. What they should have fought for was representation without taxation.

- Fletcher Knebel

Mistake, Made, Fought, Forefathers

It is now proved beyond doubt that smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.

- Fletcher Knebel

Now, Leading, Proved, Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.

- Fletcher Knebel

Statistics, Leading, Causes, Smoking

A decision is what a man makes when he can't find anybody to serve on a committee.

- Fletcher Knebel

Decision, Find, Anybody, Committee

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