Nancy Farmer Quotes

Powerful Nancy Farmer for Daily Growth

About Nancy Farmer

Nancy Farmer (born November 17, 1947) is an acclaimed American novelist known for her captivating science fiction and fantasy literature that seamlessly blends elements of history, culture, and ecology. Born in Peoria, Illinois, Farmer developed a love for storytelling at a young age. She earned a degree in microbiology from Brigham Young University in 1970, but her passion for writing eventually led her to abandon a career in science. In the late 1980s, she published her debut novel, "The Ear, the Eye and the Arm," which was shortlisted for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. Farmer's most notable work is the groundbreaking dystopian series "The House of the Scorpion" (2002), set in a future where cloning has led to a society divided by class and power. The novel won numerous awards, including the Printz Medal, the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, and was recognized as a Newbery Honor book. Another influential work is "The Lord of Opium" (2016), which draws on Farmer's extensive research into opium poppy cultivation and its effects on history and culture. This dark, historical fantasy offers a unique exploration of addiction, power, and the human condition. Farmer's works are marked by their richly imagined worlds, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Her writing is deeply influenced by her interest in biology, anthropology, and social issues, as well as her Mormon faith, which often informs the moral framework of her stories. Farmer continues to write and resides in Utah with her husband.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In a time of darkness, we must trust the light will return."

This quote by Nancy Farmer speaks to the human spirit's inherent resilience amidst adversity. It encourages us not to lose hope when faced with challenging times or situations characterized as "darkness." Instead, it urges us to maintain trust that better days are coming; the light symbolizes optimism and positivity. The wisdom in this quote lies in its reassurance that even during trying times, there is a promise of brighter days ahead, inviting us to hold steadfast to our hope and keep moving forward.


"The most dangerous kind of lies are the ones we tell ourselves."

This quote by Nancy Farmer highlights the idea that self-deception, or lying to oneself, is a potentially harmful act. It suggests that when individuals convince themselves of untruths, they may make poor decisions based on these false beliefs, leading to negative consequences in their lives. This insight underscores the importance of honesty and self-awareness in personal growth and well-being.


"Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change the course of your life forever."

This quote by Nancy Farmer emphasizes the profound impact that seemingly insignificant choices can have on one's destiny. It suggests that our lives may follow a different trajectory based on the small, everyday decisions we make – often without realizing their potential consequences. The message encourages us to be mindful of these moments and recognize their importance in shaping our lives, as they might lead us down paths we never imagined possible.


"We have to be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us."

This quote suggests embracing change and being open to new opportunities, even if they deviate from our initial plans or expectations for our lives. It encourages us to be flexible and adaptable, recognizing that the universe may have a different, potentially better path for us than the one we have outlined. In other words, sometimes letting go of preconceived notions about how life should unfold can lead us to discovering the life that was always meant for us.


"There are some things in this world that cannot be undone, and the past is one of them."

This quote emphasizes that certain actions, decisions, or events in our lives are irreversible, and we cannot rewind time to change them. The past, as a collective experience, is unchangeable, serving as a foundation for the present and future. It encourages acceptance of our past, both its triumphs and mistakes, understanding that they shape who we are today.


I started writing 'The Lord of Opium' in 2008 and produced about 80 pages before disaster struck. Three eye operations nearly put an end to my career.

- Nancy Farmer

Career, Lord, Before, Struck

I never hand in a book until it's completed. Richard Jackson then reads it and asks me to clarify murky points. We work very well together. He knows how hard to push, and I know how hard to push back. He's the only person who can criticize my work without me throwing a hissy fit.

- Nancy Farmer

Book, Very, Clarify, Completed

I am now writing a book called 'Far Enough,' very loosely based on my childhood. This is difficult because it forces me to remember people I loved who are gone.

- Nancy Farmer

Book, Remember, Very, Loosely

I live in a 'sky island,' a unique mountain valley environment where half the animal species of North America can be found.

- Nancy Farmer

Sky, North America, Half, Valley

My view of civilization is that there have always been small pockets of good, decent, kind people surrounded by corrupt and evil power structures. It's always a battle to stay on the side of good.

- Nancy Farmer

Small, Always, Been, Structures

Music has a tremendous effect on me. When it's playing, I can't think or do anything other than listen. But I can write to it.

- Nancy Farmer

Think, Listen, Other, Tremendous

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