John Updike Quotes: Inspirational and Motivational Sayings

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John Updike was an American novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic, and literary critic. He was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and his works have been widely praised for their insight into human nature and their ability to capture the complexities of modern life. Here are some of his most inspirational and motivational quotes.

John Updike Quotes on Life

“Life is a foreign language; all men mispronounce it.”
“Life is full of surprises and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your next adventure-do it well, enjoy it-and then, not now, think about what comes next.”
“Life is a glorious cycle of song, a medley of extemporanea.”
“Life is a sum of all your choices.” John Updike was an American novelist, poet, and critic who is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of his generation. His works are known for their vivid descriptions of everyday life and their exploration of themes such as love, loss, and mortality.Throughout his career, John Updike shared many inspirational and motivational sayings that continue to inspire readers today. Some of his most famous quotes include:- 'Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.'- 'The world keeps ending but new people too dumb to know it keep showing up as if the fun's just started.'- 'We are most alive when we're in love.'These quotes remind us to never give up on our dreams, to embrace change even when it feels scary or uncertain, and to cherish the moments in life that make us feel truly alive.If you're looking for more inspiration from other great writers like John Updike, check out these links: George R.R. Martin Quotes: A Collection of the Best Quotes and Studs Terkel Quotes . These authors offer unique perspectives on life that can help motivate you towards your own personal goals.



John Updike Quotes on Writing

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.”
“Writing is a form of prayer.”
“Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”
“Writing is a way of life.”

John Updike Quotes on Love

“Love is a matter of chemistry, but sex is a matter of physics.”
“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”
“Love is a perky elf dancing a merry little jig and then suddenly he turns on you with a miniature machine gun.”
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.”

John Updike Quotes on Success

“Success is a relative term. It brings so many relatives.”
“Success is a great deodorant. It takes away all your past smells.”
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
“Success is a by-product of your attitude.”

John Updike Quotes on Happiness

“Happiness is a small and unworthy goal for something as big and fancy as a whole lifetime, and should be taken in small doses.”
“Happiness is a by-product of an effort to make someone else happy.”
“Happiness is a form of courage.”
“Happiness is a matter of one's most ordinary and everyday mode of consciousness being busy and lively and unconcerned with self.”

Conclusion

John Updike's quotes are full of wisdom and insight into the human condition. His words of inspiration and motivation can help us to find our own path in life and to make the most of our experiences. Whether you are looking for advice on life, love, success, or happiness, Updike's quotes are sure to provide you with the guidance you need.

For more information about John Updike and his works, visit Biography.com , The Poetry Foundation , and Goodreads .

FAQ

  • Q: What is John Updike known for?
    A: John Updike was an American novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic, and literary critic. He was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and his works have been widely praised for their insight into human nature and their ability to capture the complexities of modern life.
  • Q: What are some of John Updike's quotes?
    A: Some of John Updike's most famous quotes include: “Life is a foreign language; all men mispronounce it”, “Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go”, “Love is a matter of chemistry, but sex is a matter of physics”, and “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
  • Q: Where can I find more information about John Updike?
    A: For more information about John Updike and his works, visit Biography.com, The Poetry Foundation, and Goodreads.
Quote Meaning
“Life is a foreign language; all men mispronounce it.” Life is complex and difficult to understand.
“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” Writing is a process of discovery.
“Love is a matter of chemistry, but sex is a matter of physics.” Love and sex are two different things.
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” Success is found in the process, not the end result.