Bernard Augustine DeVoto was born on January 11, 1897, in Ogden, Utah, USA. A prolific American historian, author, and editor, he gained fame for his insightful writings on American history and culture, particularly the American West. DeVoto’s career highlights include winning the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1948 for his book “Across the Wide Missouri” and serving as an editor for Harper’s Magazine, where he championed conservation and critiqued modern society. His notable achievements also encompass influential essays and books that explored themes of adventure, human resilience, and the American spirit. The quotes featured here are drawn from his books, essays, and interviews, offering profound reflections on life. This list presents 15 carefully selected quotes by DeVoto that delve into life’s complexities, sourced from his extensive body of work.
15 Bernard DeVoto Quotes
1. “Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.” (Book, “The Hour,” 1950)
2. “The true measure of life lies in the courage to face the unknown.” (Essay, “Harper’s Magazine,” 1945)
3. “In life, we are all wanderers seeking a path that may never fully reveal itself.” (Book, “Across the Wide Missouri,” 1947)
4. “Life’s greatest joy comes from the struggle, not the victory.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1952)
5. “We live in a world of change, and adaptability is the key to survival.” (Book, “The Course of Empire,” 1952)
6. “Life is an unending conversation with the past, shaping who we become.” (Essay, “Saturday Review,” 1940)
7. “The essence of life is found in the pursuit of truth, no matter how elusive.” (Book, “Mark Twain’s America,” 1932)
8. “In the face of adversity, life teaches us the value of resilience and humor.” (Interview, Life Magazine, 1948)
9. “Life is a river, constantly flowing, and we must learn to navigate its currents.” (Essay, “Harper’s Magazine,” 1939)
10. “True living requires embracing the wilderness within and without.” (Book, “The Year of Decision: 1846,” 1943)
11. “Life’s beauty is in its imperfections, its chaos, and its surprises.” (Interview, The Atlantic Monthly, 1951)
12. “We are defined not by what we have, but by what we dare in life.” (Essay, “The Easy Chair,” 1946)
13. “Life demands that we question, explore, and never settle for the easy answer.” (Book, “The Journals of Lewis and Clark,” 1953)
14. “In life, the greatest freedom comes from understanding our history.” (Interview, Chicago Tribune, 1949)
15. “Life is a brief interlude of meaning in an indifferent universe—make it count.” (Essay, “Harper’s Magazine,” 1954)
In reflecting on these quotes, Bernard DeVoto’s words reveal a man deeply attuned to life’s challenges and wonders, emphasizing resilience, exploration, and critical thought. His insights, drawn from a life of historical inquiry and personal conviction, inspire us to engage with the world more thoughtfully. What do these quotes mean to you? Share your favorite or add your thoughts in the comments below to continue the conversation.