James Branch Cabell Quotes

A collection of quotes by James Branch Cabell.

James Branch Cabell (1879-1958) was an American author best known for his fantasy fiction works. Born in Virginia, Cabell achieved considerable critical acclaim for his unusual blend of satire, humor, and social commentary in his writings. His most famous work, "Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice," sparked controversy upon its release in 1919 due to its exploration of sexuality and religious themes. Cabell's unique style and imaginative storytelling earned him a dedicated following, though his works were not always fully embraced by mainstream audiences. Despite fluctuating popularity, his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated by fans of speculative fiction.

There are many of our so-called captains on industry who, if

There are many of our so-called captains on industry who, if the truth were told, and a shorter and uglier word were not unpermissible, are little better than malefactors of great wealth.

James Branch Cabell

You touch on a disheartening truth. People never want to be

You touch on a disheartening truth. People never want to be told anything they do not believe already.

James Branch Cabell

People marry for a variety of reasons and with varying resul

People marry for a variety of reasons and with varying results. But to marry for love is to invite inevitable tragedy.

James Branch Cabell

Love Results People Marriage

James Branch Cabell made this book so that he who wills may

James Branch Cabell made this book so that he who wills may read the story of mans eternally unsatisfied hunger in search of beauty. Ettarre stays inaccessible always and her lovliness is his to look on only in his dreams. All men she must evade at the last and many ar the ways of her elusion.

James Branch Cabell

Men Beauty Dreams Man

I am content. While my shrewd fellows rode about the world t

I am content. While my shrewd fellows rode about the world to seek and to attain power and wisdom, I have elected, as and unpractical realist, to follow after beauty.

James Branch Cabell

Wisdom Life Beauty Power Content

You embody all that I was ever able to concieve of beauty an

You embody all that I was ever able to concieve of beauty and fearlessness and strange purity. Therefore it is evident I do not see in you merely Count Emmerick's third sister, but, instead, that ageless lovable and loving woman long worshipped and sought everywhere in vain by all poets.

James Branch Cabell

Patriotism is the religion of hell.

Patriotism is the religion of hell.

James Branch Cabell

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possi

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true.

James Branch Cabell

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memo

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.

James Branch Cabell

Poetry is man's rebellion against being what he is.

Poetry is man's rebellion against being what he is.

James Branch Cabell