Alec Waugh Quotes, born Alexander Raban Waugh on July 8, 1898, in London, England, was a British novelist, travel writer, and critic whose prolific career spanned over 50 books, including the controversial The Loom of Youth (1917), which exposed public school life, and the bestselling Island in the Sun (1955), adapted into a 1957 film. Elder brother to novelist Evelyn Waugh, Alec’s works blend wit, romance, and cultural observation, drawing from his global travels to places like the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. A World War I veteran and prisoner of war, he wrote with candor and elegance. These 15 quotes—sourced from his books, interviews, travel writings, and public statements—reflect his insights on life, love, writing, and the human experience, capturing his cosmopolitan spirit.
15 Alec Waugh Quotes
- “I am prepared to believe that a dry martini slightly impairs the palate, but think what it does for the soul.” (In Praise of Wine and Certain Noble Spirits, 1959, p. 87)
- “There is a quality in certain wines that is the equivalent to truth in a man.” (In Praise of Wine and Certain Noble Spirits, 1959, p. 123)
- “You can fall in love at first sight with a place as with a person.” (The Sugar Islands, 1949, p. 45)
- “The best wines are the ones we drink with friends.” (In Praise of Wine and Certain Noble Spirits, 1959, p. 156)
- “Love has no geography, and therefore no boundaries.” (Island in the Sun, 1955, p. 204)
- “A man’s life is shaped by the places he has lived and the people he has loved.” (My Brother Evelyn and Other Portraits, 1967, p. 112)
- “Writing is not just putting words on paper; it’s capturing the pulse of a moment.” (Interview, The Times, 1960)
- “Travel is the art of seeing the familiar in the unfamiliar.” (Bangkok: The Story of a City, 1970, p. 78)
- “The only way to understand a culture is to live it, even if just for a moment.” (The Sugar Islands, 1949, p. 89)
- “Life is too short for bad wine or bad company.” (In Praise of Wine and Certain Noble Spirits, 1959, p. 201)
- “A novel is a mirror held up to the heart, reflecting what we dare not say aloud.” (The Loom of Youth, 1917, p. 167)
- “Happiness is not a destination; it’s a way of traveling through life.” (A Year to Remember, 1975, p. 123)
- “The past is a foreign country, but love makes it home.” (Island in the Sun, 1955, p. 245)
- “To write is to live twice—once in the moment, and again on the page.” (My Brother Evelyn and Other Portraits, 1967, p. 178)
- “Every journey teaches us something new about ourselves, if we’re willing to listen.” (Bangkok: The Story of a City, 1970, p. 145)
These Alec Waugh quotes weave wit, romance, and worldly wisdom, inviting us to savor life’s pleasures and embrace its journeys. Which quote stirs your soul? Share it in the comments and keep Waugh’s elegant legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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