Larry Mcmurtry Quotes

Powerful Larry Mcmurtry for Daily Growth

About Larry Mcmurtry

**Larry McMurtry** (June 3, 1936 – March 25, 2021) was an esteemed American novelist, screenwriter, and bookseller whose evocative narratives of the American West left a lasting impact on literature. Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, McMurtry spent his formative years in the wide-open spaces that would later inspire much of his work. McMurtry's literary journey began at Northwestern University, where he studied English and philosophy. After graduating, he moved to New York City with dreams of becoming a screenwriter but found little success until adapting his first novel, "Horseman, Pass By" (1961), for the big screen as "Hud" (1963). The film won McMurtry an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. McMurtry's masterpiece, "Lonesome Dove" (1985), a sprawling epic about two aging Texas Rangers embarking on one last adventure, solidified his reputation as a foremost chronicler of the American West. The novel, which won both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award, was later adapted into an acclaimed television miniseries. Throughout his career, McMurtry continued to explore themes of identity, community, and the human condition within the context of the American frontier. His other notable works include "The Last Picture Show" (1976), a poignant coming-of-age tale set in small-town Texas, and the six-volume Thorton Wilder-inspired "Bertram County" series (1998-2014). In addition to his literary pursuits, McMurtry also ran Booked Up, a bookstore in his hometown of Archer City, Texas. He passed away in March 2021, leaving behind an indelible mark on American literature. Quotes from McMurtry's work often reflect his profound understanding and appreciation for the complexities of human nature and the enduring allure of the West: "The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is hard: maybe that's why we're here - to make it harder for the ones who'll come after us."

This quote by Larry McMurtry suggests a pessimistic yet realistic view of life, emphasizing its inherent difficulties. He implies that life is challenging by nature, and we may encounter hardships as a means to prepare the next generation for their own trials. In essence, he underscores the idea that our struggles serve to equip those who follow us with the resilience and wisdom needed to face their own challenges in life.

"The only thing in life that don't be changing is change itself."

This quote by Larry McMurtry highlights the unrelenting, perpetual nature of change. It suggests that while certain aspects of life may appear stable or permanent, the fundamental truth is that everything is subject to change – even change itself. In other words, not only are our circumstances, relationships, and environment always evolving, but also the very concept of stability and constancy is an illusion because it too will eventually change. Embracing this understanding can help us adapt, grow, and find peace amidst life's ever-shifting landscape.

"A book to me has always been like a field of grasses which tower and bend, sway, but mostly stand upright, as they have grown up - growing tall rather than wide; without weakness or the slightest hint of apology."

Larry McMurtry's quote suggests that books, much like towering grasses in a field, are strong and unapologetic in their stature, standing upright through their growth process and not bending under weakness or apologizing for being what they are. In essence, he is conveying the idea that books, as complex and multidimensional entities, hold their ground with unwavering strength, resilience, and dignity.

"Love is what transforms the pain of loneliness into a form of happiness."

This quote suggests that love can help alleviate the emotional distress of solitude, turning it into a source of contentment. In other words, love has the power to convert the negative feelings associated with being alone (loneliness) into something more positive, ultimately resulting in happiness.

"We're all just passing through this world, and the smart ones are not so much interested in where they came from as where they're going."

This quote suggests that life is a transient journey for everyone. The focus of wise individuals isn't on their origins, but rather on their destination or purpose in life. In essence, it encourages self-discovery, personal growth, and forward momentum as we navigate our existence.

If we know anything about man, it's that he's not pacific. The temptation to butcher anyone considered undesirable seems to be a common temptation, not always resisted.

- Larry McMurtry

Always, About, Considered, Temptation

No illusion is more crucial than the illusion that great success and huge money buy you immunity from the common ills of mankind, such as cars that won't start.

- Larry McMurtry

Car, Mankind, More, Immunity

True maturity is only reached when a man realizes he has become a father figure to his girlfriends' boyfriends - and he accepts it.

- Larry McMurtry

Maturity, Figure, Accepts, Girlfriends

One of the things that Ang brings to all of his projects is his deep sense of being a double exile, an outsider's outsider.

- Larry McMurtry

Deep, Double, Projects, Outsider

Backward is just not a natural direction for Americans to look - historical ignorance remains a national characteristic.

- Larry McMurtry

Ignorance, Natural, Backward, Characteristic

A man that ain't willin' to cheat for a poke don't want it bad enough.

- Larry McMurtry

Want, Bad, Cheat, Poke

Incompetents invariably make trouble for people other than themselves.

- Larry McMurtry

Other, Themselves, Than, Invariably

Members of the Academy are mostly urban people. We are an urban nation. We are not a rural nation. It's not easy even to get a rural story made.

- Larry McMurtry

Nation, Made, Mostly, Academy

You expect far too much of a first sentence. Think of it as analogous to a good country breakfast: what we want is something simple, but nourishing to the imagination.

- Larry McMurtry

Think, Country, Sentence, Too Much

Americans don't want cowboys to be gay.

- Larry McMurtry

Gay, Want, Cowboys

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