Poems List

Innocence always calls mutely for protection, when we would be so much wiser to guard ourselves against it: innocence is like a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world meaning no harm.

The Quiet American (1955) pt. 1, ch. 3

2

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.

The Power and the Glory (1940) pt. 1, ch. 1

4

In human relations kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths.

The Heart of the Matter (1948) bk. 1, pt. 2, ch. 4

4

What do we ever get nowadays from reading to equal the excitement and the revelation in those first fourteen years?

The Lost Childhood and Other Essays (1951) title essay

5

Catholics and Communists have committed great crimes, but at least they have not stood aside, like an established society, and been indifferent. I would rather have blood on my hands than water like Pilate.

The Comedians (1966) pt. 3, ch. 4

3
The moment comes when a character does or says something you hadn’t thought about. At that moment he’s alive and you leave it to him.
3

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