Gary Jennings Quotes

Powerful Gary Jennings for Daily Growth

About Gary Jennings

Gary Jennings (August 31, 1920 – March 27, 1985) was an acclaimed American historical fiction author, best known for his epic novel "The Juggler of Notre Dame" which became a worldwide bestseller in the 1950s. Born as Gary Francis Jenkins in New York City, Jennings grew up in a family with modest means. His love for storytelling was nurtured early, influenced by the oral histories and legends shared among his extended family. He served in the United States Army during World War II, an experience that deepened his interest in history. After the war, Jennings studied at New York University and Columbia University, but he never completed a degree. Instead, he dedicated himself to writing, working as a journalist for several years before publishing his first novel, "The Unicorn's Secret," in 1953. However, it was his second book, "The Juggler of Notre Dame" (1956), that propelled him into the literary limelight. Set during the Black Plague, the novel follows the journey of a juggler and storyteller navigating the turmoil of medieval France. Jennings continued to write historical fiction, producing works like "Aztec" (1960), which delves into the Aztec civilization, and "Mars: The Bringer of War" (1973), a retelling of the Trojan War from Mars' perspective. His works are characterized by their rich detail, vivid storytelling, and deep immersion in historical context. Despite his success, Jennings faced personal struggles, including alcoholism and a divorce. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 64. Today, Gary Jennings is remembered as a masterful storyteller who brought history to life through his captivating narratives.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"History is the great teacher."

The quote by Gary Jennings, "History is the great teacher," emphasizes that studying history provides valuable lessons and insights for understanding the present and shaping the future. By examining past events, societies, leaders, conflicts, and triumphs, we can learn from the successes and failures of those who came before us, identify patterns, gain wisdom, and make informed decisions in our own lives and in shaping the world around us. History serves as a foundation upon which we build our collective knowledge, understanding, and resilience to face the challenges that lie ahead.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

This quote by Gary Jennings emphasizes that our future outcomes are not fixed but can be influenced significantly by our actions in the present. Instead of passively awaiting events, we have the power to shape our destiny through intentional decisions and actions. It encourages a proactive approach towards shaping one's life trajectory, rather than blindly following predetermined paths or relying on fate. Essentially, it highlights the importance of self-responsibility and personal initiative in achieving desired goals and creating a fulfilling future.

"The past is a guide, not a prison."

This quote by Gary Jennings suggests that history should be used as a source of guidance rather than a restriction or constraint. It implies that while we learn from the past, we should not be bound by it. Instead, we should use the lessons and insights gained to navigate our present and future more effectively. In other words, the past serves as a roadmap but we have the freedom to chart our own course based on its wisdom.

"Every man has his story and every story can change the world." - Marcus Omscott (from the novel "Aztec")

This quote suggests that each individual has a unique, personal narrative or story. The power of these stories lies in their potential to influence or transform the world. It implies that by sharing our experiences and perspectives, we can inspire change and make an impact on society as a whole.

"Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are OK. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are not falling apart." - Kashtan (from the novel "The Journeyer")

This quote by Gary Jennings, spoken through his character Kashtan, emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, rather than being consumed by fear of the past or future. It suggests that acknowledging our fears allows us to recognize our current well-being and appreciate life's continuance. By focusing on the now, we can better cope with adversities and find peace amidst uncertainty, fostering a more fulfilling and resilient lifestyle.

When I got back to Madison Avenue, I realized that copywriters made more than artists, so I switched.

- Gary Jennings

More, Made, Madison, Madison Avenue

When I was in Thailand, I went into the up-country because Marco Polo didn't get down into the flesh pots of Bangkok because they didn't exist in those days.

- Gary Jennings

Down, Exist, Pots, Bangkok

I could list hundreds of words I've come up against in the course of my work that did not exist in the era of which I was writing and for which I never could find a suitably old-time, archaic or obsolete substitute.

- Gary Jennings

Against, Could, Which, Obsolete

I starved and slept on park benches. I wrapped myself in the pages of my manuscript to keep warm. For two and a half years I took odd jobs; nothing was going to deter me.

- Gary Jennings

Took, Half, Odd Jobs, Odd

In the 20th century alone, there have been 1,600 books about the circus. My adding one more would be superfluous unless I do something totally new and different.

- Gary Jennings

New, More, Been, Superfluous

I learned to interpret the ancient pictograph codices and read Nahuatl, the Aztec language.

- Gary Jennings

Language, Read, Learned, Interpret

When I was living in Mexico and writing a book called 'Aztec,' I had to make a deliberate effort to ignore a lot of the 'typically Mexican landscape' around me - banana and citrus groves, roses and carnations, burros and toros - because they did not exist in Mexico in the 15th century, the time of my book.

- Gary Jennings

Book, Effort, Had, Roses

Everybody has done something about Marco Polo. It's the tiredest, most trite and worked-over subject in the world, and that was why it appealed to me, because I wanted to do something really new and different about something that had been worked over all these centuries, and I think I did.

- Gary Jennings

Been, Everybody, I Think, Polo

I write novels, mostly historical ones, and I try hard to keep them accurate as to historical facts, milieu and flavor.

- Gary Jennings

I Write, Mostly, Accurate, Flavor

I contend, most seriously, that there is a real need for a good, thick, complete-as-possible dictionary of 'What People Used to Call Things.'

- Gary Jennings

Seriously, Real, Need, Thick

To get into Afghanistan, I bribed my way into a camel caravan of smugglers.

- Gary Jennings

Camel, Get, Afghanistan, Caravan

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