Clifton Fadiman Quotes

A collection of quotes by Clifton Fadiman.

Clifton Fadiman (1904-1999) was an American intellectual, author, and radio personality. Born on May 15, 1904, in Brooklyn, New York, Fadiman displayed a remarkable talent for words and a profound love for literature from a young age. He graduated from Columbia University, where he later became an English literature professor.

Fadiman's passion for literature and his charismatic personality led him to the world of radio. He hosted the popular radio quiz show "Information Please!" from 1938 to 1952, where he showcased his vast knowledge and quick wit. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Fadiman was praised for bringing a high level of intellectual discourse to the airwaves.

Beyond radio, Fadiman was also an accomplished writer, editor, and critic. He authored several books, including "The Lifetime Reading Plan" and "The Joy of Words," which showcased his erudition and passion for the written word. Fadiman also worked as an editor for the famed publishing house Simon & Schuster, where he edited numerous highly acclaimed works.

Throughout his career, Fadiman advocated for the importance of education, intellectual curiosity, and the power of literature. He believed that books had the ability to enrich people's lives and broaden their perspectives. Fadiman's contributions to promoting a love for literature and intellectual engagement earned him a reputation as one of the most influential literary figures of his time.

Clifton Fadiman passed away on June 20, 1999, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a champion of knowledge and literature. His relentless quest for intellectual stimulation continues to inspire readers and thinkers around the globe.

For most men life is a search for the proper manila envelope

For most men life is a search for the proper manila envelope in which to get themselves filed.

Clifton Fadiman

Career Vocation

To divide one's life by years is of course to tumble into a

To divide one's life by years is of course to tumble into a trap set by our own arithmetic. The calendar consents to carry on its dull wall-existence by the arbitrary timetables we have drawn up in consultation with those permanent commuters, Earth and Sun. But we, unlike trees, need grow no annual rings.

Clifton Fadiman

Birthdays

Mr. Faulkner, of course, is interested in making your mind r

Mr. Faulkner, of course, is interested in making your mind rather than your flesh creep.

Clifton Fadiman

Authors & Writing

The adjective is the banana peel of the parts of speech.

The adjective is the banana peel of the parts of speech.

Clifton Fadiman

Words

There are two kinds of writers; the great ones who can give

There are two kinds of writers; the great ones who can give you truths, and the lessor ones, who can only give you themselves.

Clifton Fadiman

Authors & Writing

To take wine into our mouths is to savor a droplet of the ri

To take wine into our mouths is to savor a droplet of the river of human history.

Clifton Fadiman

Wine

When you reread a classic, you do not see more in the book t

When you reread a classic, you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than there was before.

Clifton Fadiman

Reading

A cheese may disappoint. It may be dull, it may be naive, it

A cheese may disappoint. It may be dull, it may be naive, it may be oversophisticated. Yet it remains cheese, milk's leap toward immortality.

Clifton Fadiman

Food

I think we must quote whenever we feel that the allusion is

I think we must quote whenever we feel that the allusion is interesting or helpful or amusing.

Clifton Fadiman

Quotations

A good memory is one trained to forget the trivial.

A good memory is one trained to forget the trivial.

Clifton Fadiman

Memory