J. B. Priestley Quotes

Powerful J. B. Priestley for Daily Growth

About J. B. Priestley

John Boynton Priestley (September 13, 1894 – August 15, 1984) was a prolific English playwright, novelist, and critic whose work played an influential role in the development of modern British literature and theatre. Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, Priestley's upbringing significantly influenced his writing. His working-class background and experiences during the industrial revolution served as a rich source of inspiration for many of his most famous works. Priestley left school at 14 to work as a clerk, but he was determined to pursue an education. He eventually earned a scholarship to study English at the University of London. After graduating, Priestley worked as a journalist, contributing to various newspapers and magazines before focusing on his creative writing. His first major success came with the play "Dangerous Corner" in 1932, followed by "Time and the Conways" (1937) and "The Roundabout" (1938). These plays established him as one of the leading figures in British theatre and marked the beginning of his association with the Theatre Royal, Birmingham. Priestley's novels, such as "The Good Companions" (1929), "Angel Pavement" (1930), and "The Long Retreat" (1931), also garnered critical acclaim and a wide readership. However, it was his most famous novel, "Journey's End" (1928), that cemented his reputation as a significant literary figure. During his career, Priestley explored themes of time, human relationships, and the impact of industrialization on society. His work often reflected his socialist beliefs and emphasized the importance of community and human connection. In addition to his contributions to literature and theatre, Priestley was also a respected broadcaster and wrote several essays on cultural topics. Throughout his life, Priestley received numerous honors, including two honorary degrees from the University of Bradford and the University of Oxford, as well as a knighthood for services to literature in 1972. His work continues to be widely read and performed today, ensuring his lasting legacy in British literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We live in a world where there is no shortage of system, but a disastrous shortage of soul."

This quote highlights the imbalance between structure (system) and humanity (soul) in our society. J.B. Priestley suggests that while we have developed complex systems to govern various aspects of life, there is a lack of emotional depth, empathy, and genuine human connection – qualities often associated with soul. This disproportion creates a world that may function efficiently but lacks compassion, warmth, and a deep understanding of the human experience.

"Time and the universe are kind to the brave. Time and the universe are terrible cruelties to the cowardly and the timid."

This quote emphasizes that courage and bravery are rewarded over time, as the universe tends to be favorable towards those who dare to take risks and face challenges. On the contrary, timidity and cowardice are met with harshness from the passing of time, as these traits often hinder personal growth and success. Essentially, Priestley suggests that being brave and taking bold actions can bring forth rewards in the long run, whereas shying away from challenges may lead to missed opportunities or hardships.

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing change, as it is an inherent aspect of life. By dwelling on the past or focusing solely on the current state, one risks overlooking the opportunities and growth that the future holds. To fully experience life, it's essential to stay adaptable, open-minded, and proactive in embracing new experiences and possibilities.

"The more we open our heart to others, the more we open our heart to ourselves."

This quote suggests that empathizing and connecting with others can help us better understand ourselves. By showing compassion and understanding towards others, we deepen our emotional awareness and self-knowledge. In other words, by opening our hearts to others, we are also opening ourselves up to self-discovery, growth, and deeper levels of intimacy and connection with ourselves.

"I believe in miracles. They happen every day."

The quote by J.B. Priestley, "I believe in miracles. They happen every day," suggests that he views the world as a place where extraordinary, transformative events occur regularly, though often unnoticed or undervalued. In essence, he is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating the small yet significant moments that defy explanation and elevate our lives in unexpected ways. These 'miracles' could be acts of kindness, personal growth, discoveries, or even simple moments of joy - events that seem improbable but have a profound impact on us and the world around us.

I know only two words of American slang, 'swell' and 'lousy'. I think 'swell' is lousy, but 'lousy' is swell.

- J. B. Priestley

Think, Only, I Think, Slang

We should like to have some towering geniuses, to reveal us to ourselves in colour and fire, but of course they would have to fit into the pattern of our society and be able to take orders from sound administrative types.

- J. B. Priestley

Some, Reveal, Types, Colour

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.

- J. B. Priestley

Morning, Magic, Always, Prospect

Western man is schizophrenic.

- J. B. Priestley

Man, Western, Schizophrenic

Britain, which in the years immediately before this war was rapidly losing such democratic virtues as it possessed, is now being bombed and burned into democracy.

- J. B. Priestley

Before, Which, Britain, Bombed

A novelist who writes nothing for 10 years finds his reputation rising. Because I keep on producing books they say there must be something wrong with this fellow.

- J. B. Priestley

Reputation, Nothing, Rising, Novelist

In plain words: now that Britain has told the world that she has the H-Bomb she should announce as early as possible that she has done with it, that she proposes to reject in all circumstances nuclear warfare.

- J. B. Priestley

Circumstances, Britain, Proposes

Our trouble is that we drink too much tea. I see in this the slow revenge of the Orient, which has diverted the Yellow River down our throats.

- J. B. Priestley

Revenge, Which, Orient, Diverted

I never read the life of any important person without discovering that he knew more and could do more than I could ever hope to know or do in half a dozen lifetimes.

- J. B. Priestley

Discovering, Read, Half, Lifetimes

Living in an age of advertisement, we are perpetually disillusioned. The perfect life is spread before us every day, but it changes and withers at a touch.

- J. B. Priestley

Living, Perfect, Perpetually, Perfect Life

The greater part of critics are parasites, who, if nothing had been written, would find nothing to write.

- J. B. Priestley

Nothing, Been, Part, Parasites

There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age, I missed it coming and going.

- J. B. Priestley

Young, Old, Going, No Respect

If you are a genius, you'll make your own rules, but if not - and the odds are against it - go to your desk no matter what your mood, face the icy challenge of the paper - write.

- J. B. Priestley

Own, Mood, Against, Odds

Public opinion polls are rather like children in a garden, digging things up all the time to see how they're growing.

- J. B. Priestley

Like, Rather, Polls, Garden

There are plenty of clever young writers. But there is too much genius, not enough talent.

- J. B. Priestley

Genius, Young, Too, Young Writers

As we read the school reports on our children, we realize a sense of relief that can rise to delight that thank Heaven nobody is reporting in this fashion on us.

- J. B. Priestley

Sense, Reports, Read, Reporting

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?

- J. B. Priestley

Kind, Bed, Another, Enchantment

Many a man is praised for his reserve and so-called shyness when he is simply too proud to risk making a fool of himself.

- J. B. Priestley

Proud, Making, Praised, So-Called

Accidents, try to change them - it's impossible. The accidental reveals man.

- J. B. Priestley

Change, Impossible, Reveals, Accidental

If we openly declare what is wrong with us, what is our deepest need, then perhaps the death and despair will by degrees disappear.

- J. B. Priestley

Death, Need, Declare, Despair

To show a child what once delighted you, to find the child's delight added to your own - this is happiness.

- J. B. Priestley

Happiness, Once, Added, Delight

Marriage is like paying an endless visit in your worst clothes.

- J. B. Priestley

Marriage, Like, Paying, Visit

We pay when old for the excesses of youth.

- J. B. Priestley

Age, Old, Pay, Excess

To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven.

- J. B. Priestley

World, Minds, Same, Heaven

Like its politicians and its war, society has the teenagers it deserves.

- J. B. Priestley

Society, Like, Deserves, Politicians

She was a handsome woman of forty-five and would remain so for many years.

- J. B. Priestley

Funny, Handsome, She, Forty-Five

The more we elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.

- J. B. Priestley

Communication, Elaborate, Less

The greatest writers of this age... are aware of the mystery of our existence.

- J. B. Priestley

Existence, Aware, Mystery

Be yourself is about the worst advice you can give to some people.

- J. B. Priestley

Give, Some, About, Advice

Comedy, we may say, is society protecting itself - with a smile.

- J. B. Priestley

Humor, Society, Itself, Protecting

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