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Hervey Allen Quotes

Powerful Hervey Allen for Daily Growth

About Hervey Allen

Hervey Allen (1889-1949), an American author renowned for his novels that explored Southern history and culture, was born on August 5, 1889, in Norfolk, Virginia. His father, William Allen, a lawyer and political figure, and mother, Laura Hervey Allen, were both of significant influence on the young writer. Allen's early education included attendance at Norfolk Academy and the College of William & Mary before transferring to the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1912 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. Following graduation, Allen pursued graduate studies in England at Oxford University, where he was inspired by the works of William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer. Allen's most notable work is "Anthony Adverse" (1933), a historical novel that tells the story of an orphaned boy from Florence who grows up in 18th-century California, becoming a successful merchant and eventually returning to Europe. The novel was a commercial success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1934, and remains Allen's most enduring legacy. In addition to "Anthony Adverse," Allen wrote several other novels and non-fiction works, including "A Son at the Front" (1918), a World War I memoir co-authored with his brother John, and "The Big Sea" (1927), a collection of sea stories. Allen's later years were marred by personal tragedies, including the death of his wife, Mary, in 1936, and the financial struggles that came with the Great Depression. Despite these challenges, Allen continued to write until his death on March 7, 1949, in Norfolk, Virginia. Hervey Allen's works, particularly "Anthony Adverse," have left a lasting impact on American literature, showcasing his deep appreciation for history, his understanding of human nature, and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Tomorrow is the only day over which we have any control."

Hervey Allen's quote, "Tomorrow is the only day over which we have any control," emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment and making the most of it, as tomorrow is uncertain and beyond our immediate grasp. It encourages a proactive approach towards life, suggesting that rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we should concentrate on the actions we can take today to shape our tomorrow. In essence, this quote serves as a reminder to seize control of the present, recognize its potential impact on the future, and strive for growth and improvement each day.

"The artist must beware even of the applause of the multitude, for often it means nothing more than the approval of a mob."

Hervey Allen's quote suggests that artists should be cautious about receiving praise from large groups, as such acclaim may not necessarily reflect genuine appreciation or understanding of their work, but instead represent the acceptance of a crowd or mob mentality. Essentially, this warning encourages artists to maintain individualism and authenticity in their creative endeavors, to avoid succumbing to popular trends that could compromise their artistic integrity.

"A man's life is what his thoughts make of it."

This quote by Hervey Allen suggests that a person's experiences in life are significantly shaped by their thoughts, perceptions, and mindset. Essentially, it implies that the quality and direction of one's life are determined largely by how they choose to think about their circumstances. It encourages personal responsibility for shaping one's own destiny through positive thinking and mental attitude.

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."

This quote by Hervey Allen highlights the enchanting and extraordinary aspects found in nature, suggesting that even seemingly ordinary elements contain a sense of wonder and surprise. It encourages us to appreciate the intricate beauty and mystery present in our natural world, reminding us that life is full of hidden marvels waiting to be discovered if we only look closely enough.

"The artist must beware even of the applause of the multitude, for often it means nothing more than the approval of a mob." (This quote is repeated as it's one of his most well-known)

Hervey Allen warns artists to be cautious of the praise they receive from the masses, suggesting that such adoration might not reflect genuine appreciation but rather the mindless approval of a crowd. He implies that an artist should strive for individuality and authenticity in their work, resisting conforming to popular tastes or expectations for fear of losing their unique voice.

Here the Frenchman, Spaniard, and Englishman all passed, leaving each his legend; and a brilliant and more or less feudal civilization with its aristocracy and slaves has departed with the economic system upon which it rested.

- Hervey Allen

Civilization, Here, Legend

Legends are material to be moulded, and not facts to be recorded.

- Hervey Allen

Facts, Legends, Material, Recorded

Each new generation is a fresh invasion of savages.

- Hervey Allen

Generation, New, Savages, Fresh

Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits.

- Hervey Allen

Senses, Keeping, Wits, Middle-Aged

In a continent but recently settled, many parts of which have as yet little historical or cultural background, the material for this volume has been gathered from a section that was one of the first to be colonized.

- Hervey Allen

Been, Continent, Which, Gathered

Local color has a fatal tendency to remain local; but it is also true that the universal often borders on the void.

- Hervey Allen

Color, Void, Tendency, Universal

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