Robert E. Howard Quotes

Powerful Robert E. Howard for Daily Growth

About Robert E. Howard

Robert Ervin Howard (January 22, 1906 – June 11, 1936) was an American writer principally known for his creations of the sword-and-sorcery hero Conan the Barbarian and the horror protagonist Solomon Kane. Born in Peaster, Texas, Howard grew up amidst the rough landscape that would later be reflected in much of his work. Influenced by Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Tarzan" novels, Howard began his literary career at a young age with western and horror stories. He published his first professional story, "The Horror from the Mound," in 1923, while still in high school. After graduating, he moved to Cross Plains, Texas, where he would reside for the rest of his life. Howard's works often reflected his deep love for the American frontier and its mythology. His first major character, Solomon Kane, was a Puritan-era adventurer with a strong moral code. However, it was Conan the Barbarian who would become his most famous creation. First appearing in 1932's "The Phoenix on the Sword," Conan became the quintessential hero of Howard's heroic fantasy world, Hyboria. Howard's life was marked by personal turmoil and financial struggles. He suffered from depression, which was exacerbated by the death of his mother in 1924. Despite this, he continued to produce a vast body of work, including over two hundred short stories and four novels. Tragically, Howard took his own life at the age of thirty, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence popular culture today. His works have been adapted into numerous films, television series, comic books, video games, and role-playing games. Howard's vivid prose and memorable characters have secured his place as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century fantasy literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Civilization is a sore sore boil upon the body of humanity."

Robert E. Howard's quote suggests that he viewed civilization as a harmful and destructive force in human existence. He saw it as an infectious growth, much like a boil, causing pain, suffering, and corruption among people. This perspective may stem from his belief that the complexities and rules of modern society can often stifle individual freedom, create inequality, and obscure the simpler, more natural aspects of life. The quote reflects a romanticized vision where man is closer to nature, free from the constraints and negative impacts of civilization.

"I Hate all those who do not hate Rome!"

This quote by Robert E. Howard suggests a deep-seated antipathy towards the Roman Empire, likely due to perceived oppression or imperialist tendencies. It implies that he aligns with those who share this sentiment against Rome's dominance. The quote can be interpreted as an expression of solidarity among individuals resisting perceived tyranny or injustice.

"The mood was one of quiet despair... and a terrible, brooding wrath."

This quote by Robert E. Howard captures an atmosphere of deep sorrow tinged with potent anger or rage that simmers beneath the surface. The "quiet despair" implies a profound sadness that is suppressed or held in check, while "terrible, brooding wrath" suggests a slow-building, intense fury that could erupt at any moment. The scene described seems to be one of emotional turmoil and tension, where the characters may be struggling to contain their emotions, yet they are palpable and threatening.

"I am a wanderer and a weary one."

This quote by Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, conveys a sense of restlessness and fatigue. It suggests that the speaker is a traveler who has journeyed far and is tired from their wandering. This may reflect a longing for home, a search for meaning, or simply a life lived on the move. Despite the weariness, there's an underlying strength in accepting this nomadic lifestyle.

"To the very ends of the earth, to the last secret places of the world, there is no place like home if you treasure it."

This quote emphasizes the deep affection and value one holds for their home, no matter where they roam or how far they travel. It suggests that while exotic locales and hidden corners of the world may hold wonders, nothing compares to the familiarity, comfort, and emotional attachment found in one's own homeland. The quote is a reminder that even as we explore and expand our horizons, the memories and feelings associated with home are invaluable and irreplaceable.

I became a writer in spite of my environments.

- Robert E. Howard

Writer, Became, Environments, Spite

The people among which I lived - and yet live, mainly - made their living from cotton, wheat, cattle, oil, with the usual percentage of business men and professional men.

- Robert E. Howard

Living, Which, Usual, Wheat

Never the less, at the age of fifteen, having never seen a writer, a poet, a publisher or a magazine editor, and having only the vaguest ideas of procedure, I began working on the profession I had chosen.

- Robert E. Howard

Fifteen, Profession, Editor, Publisher

But the idea of a man making his living by writing seemed, in that hardy environment, so fantastic that even today I am sometimes myself assailed by a feeling of unreality.

- Robert E. Howard

Living, Making, Seemed, Unreality

Never the less, it is no light thing to enter into a profession absolutely foreign and alien to the people among which one's lot is cast; a profession which seems as dim and faraway and unreal as the shores of Europe.

- Robert E. Howard

Dim, Profession, Which, Shores

It seems to me that many writers, by virtue of environments of culture, art and education, slip into writing because of their environments.

- Robert E. Howard

Education, Art, Environments, Slip

I had neither expert aid nor advice. I studied no courses in writing; until a year or so ago, I never read a book by anybody advising writers how to write.

- Robert E. Howard

Expert, Courses, Read, Aid

I have accomplished little enough, but such as it is, it is the result of my own efforts.

- Robert E. Howard

Result, My Own, Efforts, Accomplished

But whatever my failure, I have this thing to remember - that I was a pioneer in my profession, just as my grandfathers were in theirs, in that I was the first man in this section to earn his living as a writer.

- Robert E. Howard

Living, Profession, Section, Grandfathers

Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.

- Robert E. Howard

Savages, Civilized, Having, Split

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