Simon Raven Quotes

A collection of quotes by Simon Raven.

Simon Raven (1927-2001) was an English novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. Known for his darkly witty and satirical style, Raven rose to prominence in the 1950s with his controversial Alms for Oblivion series, exploring the complexities of upper-class British society. His other notable works include the First Born trilogy, featuring semi-autobiographical elements from his time at Cambridge University. Raven's writing often explored themes of power, corruption, and morality, earning him a dedicated following. Despite the praise for his literary talents, Raven's personal life was marred by scandals, a trait mirrored in the often debauched and hedonistic world depicted in his novels.

Nobody minded what you did in bed or what you said about God

Nobody minded what you did in bed or what you said about God, a very civilized attitude in 1948.

Simon Raven

Attitude

Art for art's sake, money for God's sake.

Art for art's sake, money for God's sake.

Simon Raven

Money

And so, at the age of thirty, I had successively disgraced m

And so, at the age of thirty, I had successively disgraced myself with three fine institutions, each of which had made me free of its full and rich resources, had trained me with skill and patience, and had shown me nothing but forbearance and charity when I failed in trust.

Simon Raven

Patience

Scholarship was one thing, drudgery another. I very soon con

Scholarship was one thing, drudgery another. I very soon concluded that nothing would induce me to read, let alone make notes on, hundreds and hundreds of very, very, very boring books.

Simon Raven

Alone