Peter De Vries, born on February 27, 1910, in Chicago, Illinois, was an influential American novelist and editor renowned for his witty, satirical explorations of human nature. Over his prolific career, he contributed to The New Yorker and authored acclaimed works like “The Tunnel of Love” and “Blood of the Lamb,” earning a National Book Award nomination and praise for his humorous take on life’s absurdities. De Vries’s writing often delved into themes of existence with sharp insight and wordplay. The quotes here are sourced from his books, interviews, and articles, focusing on reflections about life. These selections highlight his philosophical musings, drawing from various points in his career. Below is a list of 15 Peter De Vries quotes about life.
15 Peter De Vries Quotes
1. “Life is a fatal sexually transmitted disease.” (Book, “The Blood of the Lamb,” 1961)
2. “In life, the hardest thing is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1965)
3. “Life’s a bitch, and then you marry one.” (Book, “The Tunnel of Love,” 1954)
4. “We are all serving a life sentence in the dungeon of self.” (Book, “Comfort Me with Apples,” 1956)
5. “Life is just one damned thing after another.” (Interview, The New Yorker, n.d.)
6. “The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it’s unfamiliar territory.” (Interview, n.d.)
7. “Life is too short for traffic.” (Book, “Madder Music,” 1977)
8. “The trouble with life is that there are so many distractions from death.” (Book, “Slouching Towards Kalamazoo,” 1983)
9. “In life, as in art, the beautiful moves in curves.” (Book, “The Vale of Laughter,” 1967)
10. “We’ve been put on earth to help others; what the others are here for, I’ve no idea.” (Interview, n.d.)
11. “Life is a continual process of adjustment.” (Interview, New York Times, 1970)
12. “In the end, we all return to the same place we came from: debt.” (Interview, The Paris Review, 1980)
13. “Life is like a novel; it’s filled with plot twists and characters you’d never invite to dinner.” (Book, “Consenting Adults,” 1980)
14. “In life, as in a foot race, you won’t know how many feet you have until you start running.” (Book, “The Glory of the Hummingbird,” 1974)
15. “Life’s greatest lesson is that it goes on.” (Interview, n.d.)
These quotes from Peter De Vries illuminate his profound yet playful perspective on life, revealing a man who masterfully blended humor with keen observations on human struggles and joys. They underscore his ability to find wisdom in the ordinary, encouraging reflection on life’s fleeting nature and absurdities. Overall, they paint a portrait of a thoughtful satirist who reminds us to laugh through the chaos. What insights did you gain? Share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below.