"History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us, like the roots of a tree."
Robert Harris' quote suggests that history isn't just a collection of events from the past; it's an integral part of who we are in the present. Just as a tree is shaped by its roots, our actions, beliefs, and values are influenced by historical events, cultural traditions, and personal experiences. In essence, history lives on in us, shaping our thoughts, decisions, and interactions with the world around us. It's an ongoing process that influences the present and shapes the future.
"The truth is always the same. It's just that we change our minds about what it is."
This quote by Robert Harris suggests that the fundamental truth remains constant, but human perception and understanding of that truth can evolve over time due to factors such as new information, perspectives, or changing circumstances. It highlights the human capacity for growth, adaptation, and fallibility in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
"A secret is a thing you carry alone, a burden that weighs heavily on the soul."
This quote suggests that secrets are personal burdens that individuals carry alone. The weight of a secret can feel heavy and distressing because it's not shared, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional strain. The burden of a secret can negatively impact one's mental health, as the individual must keep their truth hidden from others, potentially causing stress, guilt, or fear. It emphasizes that secrets are not merely words or actions hidden from view, but they are deeply personal and can significantly influence our psychological well-being.
"Fear was the mother of all things: fear or love. In the end they amounted to the same."
This quote suggests that fear and love, despite being seemingly opposite emotions, have a common thread - their power to drive actions and shape our experiences. Fear motivates us to avoid danger, while love inspires us to connect deeply with others or pursue desired outcomes. Ultimately, both can lead to similar results: creating movement, change, and growth in our lives.
"The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn't exist." (This quote is not by Robert Harris, but attributed to Charles Parker in the novel 'The Devil's Advocate')
This quote implies that the most effective deception a manipulator or corrupt entity can pull off is convincing others that they do not exist or are inconsequential. In other words, when adversaries remain hidden or underestimated, they can exert greater influence without detection, causing more damage and control than if their presence were known and acknowledged.
First comes an idea. Then, characters begin to evolve out of the landscape of that idea. And then, finally, characters dominate: plot is simply a function of what these people might do or be. Everything has to flow from their personalities; otherwise it will not be emotionally engaging, or plausible.
- Robert Harris
If one tries to think about history, it seems to me - it's like looking at a range of mountains. And the first time you see them, they look one way. But then time changes, the pattern of light shifts. Maybe you've moved slightly, your perspective has changed. The mountains are the same, but they look very different.
- Robert Harris
It's easy enough to get into power. You can make promises and try to be all things to all people. But the moment you have to make decisions, you're going to annoy at least half of them. Whatever you do, in the end you're almost certain to be brought down by your own character traits.
- Robert Harris
I am sure future historians will say the biggest and most astonishing change in politics has been the embracing of all the tenets of Thatcherism by the party of Keir Hardie: trade union legislation, Europe, the replacement of Trident, 10 per cent tax for people who have made millions from their companies.
- Robert Harris
Writing a novel - unlike operating a piece of heavy machinery, say, or cooking a chicken - is not a skill that can be taught. There is no standard way of doing it, just as there is no means of telling, while you're doing it, whether you're doing it well or badly. And merely because you've done it well once doesn't mean you can do it well again.
- Robert Harris
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