Harold Robbins Quotes

Powerful Harold Robbins for Daily Growth

About Harold Robbins

Harold Robbins (1920-1994) was an influential American novelist known for his captivating stories that delved into the worlds of business, politics, and human relationships. Born in New York City on July 21, 1920, Robbins showed early promise as a writer, publishing his first story in Cosmopolitan magazine at the age of 17. Robbins served in the United States Army during World War II, an experience that significantly impacted his writing. After the war, he worked as a journalist for various publications, including Redbook and McCall's. This period provided him with valuable insights into human nature and the world, which he later incorporated into his novels. Robbins' literary career took off in 1954 with the publication of "Never Love a Stranger." However, it was his fifth novel, "The Carpetbaggers" (1961), that catapulted him to international stardom. The sweeping saga of ambition, greed, and love in the oil industry became an instant bestseller, spending 83 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Following the success of "The Carpetbaggers," Robbins wrote numerous bestselling novels, including "Seven Minutes" (1964), "The Adventurers" (1973), and "The Lonely Crowd" (1950). His novels were often adapted into films, further cementing his place in popular culture. Robbins was known for his meticulous research, traveling extensively to gain firsthand knowledge of the settings and subjects of his books. He passed away on July 18, 1994, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love is a game that people play to make one another believe they have found something rare."

Harold Robbins' quote suggests that love, as often experienced, might be more about individuals seeking validation or rarity in a relationship than finding genuine, unique emotions. It implies that love is not merely a natural feeling but can also serve as a means to create an illusion of something exclusive, thus fostering a sense of value and importance in the partner. This perspective invites us to question the authenticity of our feelings and encourages introspection about the true nature of our relationships.


"Success seems to be connected with action, rather than with dreams of possible success."

This quote emphasizes that success is achieved through action, not just through dreams or imagining it. It suggests that one must take steps towards their goals, putting effort into making things happen, instead of passively waiting for success to come. Dreams are essential for setting targets, but actualization requires active engagement and doing the necessary work.


"The world always has room for those who know how to dream, and more important, how to make dreams come true."

This quote emphasizes that the world welcomes individuals who possess both the ability to imagine and realize their visions. It suggests that dreaming alone is insufficient; one must also have the drive, determination, and skill to transform those dreams into reality. The power of imagination combined with action creates a dynamic force for positive change in the world.


"You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you care about."

This quote by Harold Robbins emphasizes personal autonomy and self-determination. It suggests that one should prioritize their own needs, values, and happiness in life, even when it may conflict with the desires or expectations of others they care about. The underlying message is that living a fulfilling life often requires difficult choices and potential conflicts, but ultimately, it's essential to honor oneself first while recognizing that such decisions might hurt those we cherish. Striking this balance between personal growth and relationships can be challenging, but it's crucial for leading a genuine and authentic life.


"It's the love story that has to be believable; the sex scenes are the easy part."

This quote suggests that, in storytelling, especially in literature or film involving romance, it is essential to create a believable emotional connection between characters for the audience to fully invest in the love story. The sexual aspects of a relationship are easier to depict physically, but making those moments meaningful and emotionally resonant requires a deeper understanding and authentic portrayal of the characters' feelings and connection. In essence, Robbins is emphasizing that the emotional journey of the lovers should take precedence over the physical aspects for a compelling love story.


Hemingway was a jerk.

- Harold Robbins

Jerk, Hemingway

I won't leave any unfinished manuscripts.

- Harold Robbins

Leave, Unfinished, Any, Manuscripts

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