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Wallace Stegner Quotes

Powerful Wallace Stegner for Daily Growth

About Wallace Stegner

Wallace Stegner (1909-1993), an esteemed American author, was born on February 17, 1909, in Lake Mills, Iowa. He spent his formative years in rural communities across the Midwest before moving to the Pacific Northwest and eventually settling in Stanford, California, where he attended university. Stegner's early work as a journalist and short-story writer was deeply influenced by his experiences of the American West, its landscapes, and its people. This affinity for the region would become a defining characteristic of his later novels, earning him the title "Dean of Western Writers." In 1934, Stegner enrolled at Stanford University, where he studied under the renowned novelist, John Steinbeck. It was during this time that he met and befriended other literary luminaries such as Edward Lewis Wallant and Richard Henry Dana Jr., who significantly influenced his writing career. Stegner's major works include "Angle of Repose" (1971), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and "Crossing to Safety" (1987), a poignant exploration of friendship and love. Other notable novels include "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" (1943) and "Wolf Willow" (1960). Stegner's non-fiction works, such as "Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West" (1954), showcased his deep passion for the conservation of western lands. His commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the American West led him to serve on the board of the National Park Service. Wallace Stegner passed away on April 13, 1993, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy in American literature. His works continue to resonate with readers today, offering insights into the human condition and celebrating the beauty and complexity of the American West.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"A sentence is a small part of speech. A paragraph a larger one. A page has its limitations. But the fact is, there is no limit to the human capacity for extension."

This quote by Wallace Stegner emphasizes the boundless nature of human expression and thought. Just as a sentence, paragraph, or even a page can convey ideas, so too can humans extend their understanding and communication beyond these confines. It suggests that our capacity to learn, grow, and explore is not limited by the boundaries we set for ourselves in language or any other form.

"The American West is more than a geographical expression. It is a state of mind, an attitude of openness, confidence, cockiness even, a belief that new eras and fresh starts are always possible."

This quote by Wallace Stegner encapsulates the spirit of optimism, adventure, and resilience that defines the American West. It suggests that the region is not just a physical expanse, but also a mental state characterized by openness to new possibilities, confidence, and a belief in the potential for reinvention and renewal. The phrase "new eras and fresh starts are always possible" underscores the idea that the spirit of the American West transcends its geographical boundaries, inspiring optimism and the pursuit of fresh beginnings in individuals throughout the nation.

"Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit."

This quote emphasizes that wilderness, or untouched natural spaces, is essential for the well-being and spiritual health of humans. It suggests that our connection to nature is fundamental to who we are as individuals and as a species, not merely an optional indulgence. In other words, preserving wilderness areas is crucial for our mental, emotional, and possibly even physical health.

"The only living thing that is immortal is the line."

Wallace Stegner's quote "The only living thing that is immortal is the line" emphasizes the idea that creativity, particularly in the form of art and literature, transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on humanity. While individuals are mortal, the words they write—the lines they create—can endure for centuries, influencing future generations, sparking thought, and inspiring change. Essentially, Stegner suggests that artistic expression offers a form of immortality that exceeds physical life.

"A good sentence should do three jobs: it should tell, it should show, and it should sing."

This quote suggests that a well-crafted sentence in writing serves three primary functions: firstly, it conveys information or tells a story; secondly, it paints a vivid picture or shows the reader what is happening; thirdly, it creates an emotional impact or resonates with the reader, much like a musical note sings. Essentially, Stegner's advice is to ensure that each sentence is not only informative and descriptive but also evocative and engaging, making it a powerful tool for storytelling.

Most things break, including hearts. The lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus.

- Wallace Stegner

Most, Including, Amount, Lessons

A teacher enlarges people in all sorts of ways besides just his subject matter.

- Wallace Stegner

Teacher, Ways, His, Besides

Hard writing makes easy reading.

- Wallace Stegner

Writing, Reading, Makes, Easy Reading

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