Nelson Demille Quotes

Powerful Nelson Demille for Daily Growth

About Nelson Demille

**Nelson Demille** (1931 - ) is an American novelist and former U.S. Army officer, renowned for his thrilling novels that blend military strategy, political intrigue, and suspenseful narrative. Born on July 24, 1931, in Long Island, New York, Demille grew up in a family of modest means. His father worked as a carpenter, while his mother was a homemaker. Demille's early life was heavily influenced by his father's stories of World War I and his own experiences in the military. After graduating from Elmira College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1953, Demille served in the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His military career included roles as a paratrooper, an artillery officer, and a special forces captain. These experiences greatly informed his later writings, imbuing them with a deep understanding of military strategy and tactics. Demille's literary career began in 1978 with the publication of his debut novel, "By the Rivers of Babylon." However, it was his third book, "The Gold Coast," published in 1980, that catapulted him to fame. This novel introduced John Sutter, a character who would become one of Demille's most enduring creations. Demille's works often explore themes of patriotism, duty, and the complexities of war. His novels are known for their fast-paced action, vivid characters, and intricate plotlines. Some of his most notable works include "Plum Island" (1987), "The Charm School" (1988), "Up Country" (2005), and the John Sutter series, which includes "The General's Daughter" (1995) and "Nightfall" (2013). Demille continues to write today, residing in upstate New York with his wife, Jacqueline. His works have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. In addition to his writing career, Demille is an advocate for veterans' rights and a frequent speaker on military affairs.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"War is not the answer, but it sure as hell focuses the attention."

This quote by Nelson DeMille suggests that while war itself is not a solution to problems, it has a unique ability to bring intense focus and urgency to global issues. It implies that in times of peace, conflicts may be overlooked or dismissed due to complacency, but the threat of war forces people to pay attention, prioritize, and take decisive action. The quote is not an endorsement of war, but rather a commentary on its power to concentrate collective efforts towards resolving disputes.

"You can run, but you cannot hide. The truth always has a way of finding you."

This quote by Nelson DeMille emphasizes the inevitability of truth being uncovered. It suggests that while one may try to evade or conceal certain facts, eventually they will be exposed. This can apply to various aspects of life, from personal secrets to larger societal issues, reminding us all of the power of truth and its persistent nature.

"To be normal is to be forgotten."

This quote emphasizes that living a life of conformity, or "normality," may lead to anonymity or being overlooked. It suggests that standing out, being unique, and expressing one's individuality can make a person more memorable and significant in the eyes of others. In this sense, forgetting someone who is normal implies they have not made a lasting impact, while those who live unconventionally or authentically may leave a deeper impression on the world.

"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."

This quote emphasizes the importance of action over perfectionism, particularly in situations that require immediate response or implementation. It suggests that a well-executed imperfect plan is more valuable than an ideal one delayed due to refinement or perfectionist tendencies. The emphasis here is on prompt execution, understanding that plans will often evolve as they are put into action and that progress can only be made through actionable steps.

"The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance."

This quote by Nelson DeMille highlights a profound truth about human behavior. Ignorance, or lack of knowledge, while detrimental, can potentially be remedied through education and learning. Arrogance, however, often prevents one from recognizing the need for such education, thereby perpetuating harmful beliefs and actions. In essence, DeMille suggests that an unfounded confidence in one's own understanding or abilities can lead to dangerous consequences. It is crucial, therefore, to embrace humility and a willingness to learn from others and the world around us.

I read 'Time', 'Newsweek' and 'The Economist'.

- Nelson DeMille

Time, Read, Newsweek, Economist

Writing doesn't leave much time for hobbies, unless you consider that I began writing as a hobby and have made the hobby into a profession.

- Nelson DeMille

Made, Profession, Began, Hobby

I generally unwind by having dinner with close friends.

- Nelson DeMille

Close Friends, Having, Close

You have to go out of your way as a suspense novelist to find situations where the protagonists are somewhat helpless and in real danger.

- Nelson DeMille

Real, Go, Your, Helpless

I like the process of pencil and paper as opposed to a machine. I think the writing is better when it's done in handwriting.

- Nelson DeMille

Process, Think, Opposed, Handwriting

Chemical and biological attacks are scary and will kill a lot of people but don't rise to the level of nuclear.

- Nelson DeMille

People, Will, Level, Biological

I've always been fascinated by the Gold Coast. The homes themselves are spectacular, unlike anything you'll see other than in Newport, Bar Harbor or Palm Beach. It's a very special area that, because of local demographics, is not going to survive much longer.

- Nelson DeMille

Other, Been, Very, To Survive

I used the pen name because I knew I wanted to write better novels under my own name someday.

- Nelson DeMille

Own, My Own, Knew, Novels

There are a lot of books about the passing of the English aristocracy, but the vast majority of Long Islanders don't understand their own backyard. It's a private preserve.

- Nelson DeMille

Own, Private, Vast Majority, Passing

If everyone howled at every injustice, every act of barbarism, every act of unkindness, then we would be taking the first step towards a real humanity.

- Nelson DeMille

Injustice, Everyone, Then, Unkindness

There is no terra incognito left.

- Nelson DeMille

Left, Incognito

Even the most radical Islamic terrorist would not want to see the revered holy city of Medina go up. It would be like losing the Vatican in Rome.

- Nelson DeMille

Rome, Revered, Islamic, Terrorist

There are Mafia families that have bought magnificent houses on the North Shore, although not yet the great estates because they don't want that kind of high profile.

- Nelson DeMille

Kind, Estates, Bought, Profile

It's good to stay as close to real life as you can, and then kind of dress it up.

- Nelson DeMille

Dress, Real, Kind, Real Life

I thought to myself, what is everyone's worst fear? Nuclear terrorism in America.

- Nelson DeMille

Thought, Everyone, Terrorism, Nuclear

We're all pilgrims on the same journey - but some pilgrims have better road maps.

- Nelson DeMille

Better, Some, Same, Maps

G.I. humor is similar to cop humor.

- Nelson DeMille

Humor, Similar, Cop

Somehow our devils are never quite what we expect when we meet them face to face.

- Nelson DeMille

Never, Devils, Expect, Quite

The world has gotten smaller and more accessible since I first started writing in the 70's.

- Nelson DeMille

World, Accessible, Gotten, Smaller

I don't name sources.

- Nelson DeMille

Name, Sources

Stephen King once told me he liked my writing. And that was great.

- Nelson DeMille

Writing, King, Once, None

I had a very strong desire to be successful at something.

- Nelson DeMille

Strong, Desire, Very, Strong Desire

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