Walker Percy, born on May 28, 1916, in Birmingham, Alabama, was an influential American novelist and essayist. After training as a physician, he shifted to writing, gaining acclaim for his 1961 novel “The Moviegoer,” which won the National Book Award. Percy’s works, including “Love in the Ruins” and “Lost in the Cosmos,” delve into themes of existentialism, faith, and the human condition, blending Southern storytelling with philosophical depth. His quotes on life, drawn from books, essays, and interviews, offer profound insights into existence and self-discovery. This list presents 15 of his quotes about life, showcasing his reflective wisdom across various sources.
Quote List
1. “The business of life is to find out what one is here for.” (Book, “The Moviegoer,” 1961)
2. “Life is full of wonders, but we must be awake to see them.” (Essay, “The Message in the Bottle,” 1975)
3. “In the midst of life’s chaos, seek the still point.” (Interview, New York Times, 1977)
4. “Life’s meaning is not found in accumulation, but in relation.” (Book, “Love in the Ruins,” 1971)
5. “We are all wanderers in search of a place to call home in life.” (Essay, “The Last Self-Help Book,” 1996)
6. “Life teaches us that happiness is not a destination, but a manner of traveling.” (Book, “The Second Coming,” 1980)
7. “In life, the questions are more important than the answers.” (Interview, PBS, 1985)
8. “Life is a gift, but it comes with no instructions.” (Essay, “Signposts in a Strange Land,” 1991)
9. “We must live life forward, but understand it backward.” (Book, “Lost in the Cosmos,” 1983)
10. “The essence of life is to be found in the ordinary moments.” (Interview, The Paris Review, 1987)
11. “Life’s journey is marked by encounters that change us forever.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1962)
12. “In the face of absurdity, life calls for courage and faith.” (Book, “The Thanatos Syndrome,” 1987)
13. “Life involves a continual rediscovery of the self.” (Essay, “The Message in the Bottle,” 1975)
14. “The beauty of life lies in its imperfections.” (Book, “Lancelot,” 1977)
15. “Ultimately, life is a story we tell ourselves.” (Interview, National Public Radio, n.d.)
These quotes from Walker Percy illuminate his profound understanding of life’s complexities, revealing a man who grappled with themes of search, meaning, and human frailty. They reflect his warm, introspective nature, encouraging readers to embrace the ordinary and seek deeper truths. What do these words stir in you? Share your thoughts or a favorite quote in the comments below.