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Thomas Bernhard Quotes

Powerful Thomas Bernhard for Daily Growth

About Thomas Bernhard

Thomas Bernhard (February 9, 1931 – February 12, 1989) was an Austrian novelist, playwright, and composer known for his distinctive voice in post-war European literature. Born into a musical family in the small town of Leonding, Upper Austria, Bernhard's early life was marked by tragedy: his mother committed suicide when he was nine, and his father died four years later. These events profoundly influenced Bernhard's writing, with themes of isolation, decay, and the futility of human existence recurring throughout his work. Bernhard studied at the University of Vienna but did not complete a degree. Instead, he turned to writing, publishing his first novel, "Das Kalkwerk" (The Lime Works), in 1956. His literary career took off with the publication of "Der Untergeher" (The Loser) in 1963, which brought him critical acclaim and established him as one of Austria's most important contemporary authors. Influenced by authors such as Franz Kafka, James Joyce, and Albert Camus, Bernhard's writing style was characterized by long, monologue-like passages, repetition, and a stream-of-consciousness narrative. His works often take the form of letters, diaries, or conversations between characters, reflecting his interest in the spoken word and his fascination with the inner thoughts and emotions of his characters. Some of Bernhard's most notable works include "Der Theatermacher" (The Theater Maker), "Wohl ein Klavier" (More Pianos), and the novella "Correction" – all of which explore themes of artistic decay, human alienation, and the corrupting influence of power. Bernhard was also a prolific playwright, with notable works including "Die Ausdehnung des Spiegelnachts" (Extinction of the Fireflies) and "Vor Sonnenuntergang" (Before Sunset). Thomas Bernhard's unique voice and profound exploration of human existence have cemented his place as one of the most important Austrian authors of the 20th century. His work continues to influence contemporary literature and has been translated into numerous languages, bringing his distinctive perspective on life to readers around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It is not necessary to understand everything,

This quote by Thomas Bernhard suggests that it's not always essential or feasible for us to fully comprehend every aspect of our experiences, events, or phenomena around us. Understanding everything can be an unattainable ideal given the complexities and mysteries inherent in life. Instead, it's important to appreciate the unknown and continue learning and growing from encounters with the unfamiliar.

"A true artist is a world for himself."

This quote by Thomas Bernhard suggests that an authentic artist exists in a unique universe of their own. They are self-contained, independent, and boundless in their creative pursuits. Their art is not just a reflection of the world around them, but a separate realm they create and inhabit, transcending conventional boundaries. This independence allows them to express original ideas and push artistic boundaries.

"To be an artist means: never to be happy."

Thomas Bernhard's quote suggests that being an artist is synonymous with a state of perpetual dissatisfaction, as they are driven not by happiness or contentment, but rather by their inner need to create and express themselves. This disposition arises from the relentless pursuit of excellence, the unyielding quest for authenticity, and the inherent understanding that true art often lies in the tension between the artist's vision and the limitations of reality. As such, artists may experience a sense of unease or disquiet, as their restlessness fuels their creative output and propels them towards new artistic heights.

"The world is empty and I have no idea who I am."

This quote by Thomas Bernhard captures a profound sense of disillusionment and alienation, reflecting a feeling that the world lacks meaning or purpose, and that one's identity is uncertain or lost. It suggests an existential crisis where the individual feels detached from the world and unable to find a sense of belonging or understanding in it. The quote may resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life's complexities or disconnected from their surroundings, inviting introspection and a search for personal meaning and identity.

"The only truth is that there is no truth."

This quote by Thomas Bernhard suggests a profound philosophical perspective, implying that absolute knowledge or truth may not exist in our human experience. Instead, he proposes a world where subjective interpretations prevail, emphasizing the complexity and relativity of reality. This understanding can foster humility, encouraging us to question our beliefs and consider multiple perspectives before making judgments about the world around us.

The anger and the brutality against everything can readily from one hour to the next be transformed into its opposite.

- Thomas Bernhard

Next, Hour, Readily, Transformed

Only when I am by seawater can I truly breathe, to say nothing of my ability to think.

- Thomas Bernhard

Think, Nothing, Say, Breathe

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