Lance Morrow Quotes

Powerful Lance Morrow for Daily Growth

About Lance Morrow

Lance Morrow (born May 18, 1943) is an esteemed American essayist, novelist, and journalist who has left a lasting impact on contemporary literature and journalism with his profound insights and unique storytelling abilities. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Morrow grew up in the Deep South, which heavily influenced his later work, particularly his exploration of Southern identity and culture. He graduated from the University of Virginia and went on to work as a reporter for Newsweek magazine from 1968 to 2005, serving as an editor-at-large during his tenure. Morrow's career at Newsweek spanned decades and numerous influential events, including the Vietnam War, Watergate, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His writings reflect a thoughtful, humane perspective on these significant historical moments. In 1987, Morrow published "The House of Wits: A Memoir," an introspective account of his life and relationships with some of the most brilliant minds in literature, including John Updike, Kurt Vonnegut, and Robert Penn Warren. His collection of essays, "A Man Attached to His Land: Reflections on Home" (1987), showcases Morrow's ability to connect universal themes with deeply personal experiences. Perhaps one of Morrow's most notable works is his novel "The Alabama Bureau" (1992), a satirical exploration of the American political landscape, drawing heavily from Morrow's experiences covering Washington politics during his time at Newsweek. Throughout his illustrious career, Lance Morrow has been recognized with numerous awards, including two National Magazine Awards and the George Polk Award for Commentary in 1974. His insightful and thought-provoking work continues to resonate with readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth."

This quote emphasizes that not every contradiction to a deeply held truth or belief is necessarily false. Instead, it suggests there could be another equally profound perspective that offers an alternate viewpoint or understanding. It encourages us to be open-minded when challenging our deeply held beliefs and to respect the complexity and depth of truths that may seem contrary at first glance.


"Time has no discretion; it takes us all back."

Lance Morrow's quote signifies that time is impartial, indiscriminate, and inexorable. It does not discriminate between people, and it unwaveringly moves forward, carrying everyone along the same path of aging and change. This perspective invites us to value the present moment, as we are all subject to the passage of time that takes us back to our ultimate end - a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of life.


"The best way to predict the future is to create it." (This quote is actually by Peter Drucker, but Lance Morrow often quotes it)

This quote emphasizes the proactive role individuals can play in shaping their own future. Instead of passively waiting for events to unfold, it encourages us to take control and make deliberate choices that will guide our destiny. It's a reminder that we have the power to shape our lives by taking action towards the future we desire. In other words, if we want to change or improve our circumstances, the best way to do so is to actively work towards those changes rather than simply anticipating them.


"A sense of humor is the only defense against certain sadnesses."

Lance Morrow's quote suggests that maintaining a sense of humor can help individuals cope with or alleviate feelings of sadness, melancholy, or despair that are an inevitable part of life. Humor offers a protective mechanism, helping people find solace, comfort, and even joy in the face of difficulties and challenges. It serves as a defense against these "certain sadnesses" by providing a momentary escape, a change in perspective, or simply a way to laugh amidst pain and sorrow.


"Ideas are like monsters under the bed; they're more frightening if you keep them there than if you go to bed with them."

This quote suggests that it's better to face or confront one's fears (ideas) rather than avoiding them. By acknowledging and engaging with ideas, we can overcome the fear or uncertainty they may bring, and ultimately grow as a result. It also implies that if we let these ideas linger in the shadows of our subconscious, they can become magnified and more intimidating than if we choose to confront them directly.


Vatican II was a force that seized the mind of the Roman Catholic Church and carried it across centuries from the 13th to the 20th.

- Lance Morrow

Mind, Roman, Carried, Centuries

As they marched, the crowds lining the route broke into applause, a sweet and deeply felt spontaneous pattering that was a sort of communal embrace. Welcome home.

- Lance Morrow

Embrace, Broke, Felt, Communal

Never forget the power of silence, that massively disconcerting pause which goes on and on and may at last induce an opponent to babble and backtrack nervously.

- Lance Morrow

Last, May, Which, Massively

A rattlesnake loose in the living room tends to end all discussion of animal rights.

- Lance Morrow

Animal Rights, Rattlesnake, Loose

The real 1960s began on the afternoon of November 22, 1963. It came to seem that Kennedy's murder opened some malign trap door in American culture, and the wild bats flapped out.

- Lance Morrow

History, Some, November, Bats

Everywhere you hang your hat is home. Home is the bright cave under the hat.

- Lance Morrow

Cave, Bright, Hang, Everywhere

He vanished to the public in order to materialize for his family.

- Lance Morrow

Public, His, Materialize, Vanished

The Church became both more accessible and less imposing. It threw itself open to risk.

- Lance Morrow

Became, Accessible, Itself, Imposing

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