Bill Bryson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Bill Bryson.

Bill Bryson is a renowned American-British author, born on December 8, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Known for his engaging travelogues and witty observations, Bryson has captivated readers with his unique blend of humor and curiosity. He studied English literature at Drake University before embarking on an adventure to Europe, kick-starting his passion for travel.

Bryson's illustrious writing career began with his book "The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America" (1989), which humorously explores America's lesser-known regions. His subsequent works, including "Notes from a Small Island" (1995) and "A Walk in the Woods" (1998), further established his reputation as a skillful travel writer. In "A Short History of Nearly Everything" (2003), Bryson eloquently explains complex scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining manner, becoming one of his most acclaimed works.

Over the years, Bill Bryson has received numerous accolades for his remarkable contributions to literature. He has won several awards, including the British Book Awards' Author of the Year in 2004 and the National Outdoor Book Award for "A Walk in the Woods." He has also served as the Chancellor of Durham University in the United Kingdom, solidifying his connection to both his birth country and his adopted homeland.

Bryson's ability to intertwine personal anecdotes, historical narratives, and cultural insights continues to captivate readers worldwide. His delightful storytelling has inspired a new generation of travel writers, making him one of the most beloved and esteemed authors of our time.

Every atom you possess has almost certainly passed through s

Every atom you possess has almost certainly passed through several stars and been part of millions of organisms on its way to becoming you. We are each so atomically numberous and so vigorously recycled at death that a significant number of our atoms-up to a billion for each of us, it has been suggested-probably once belonged to Shakespeare. A billion more each came from Buddha and Genghis Khan and Beethoven, and any other historical figure you care to name.

Science Inspirational

In terms of adaptability, humans are pretty amazingly useles

In terms of adaptability, humans are pretty amazingly useless.

Thoreau was an idiot.

Thoreau was an idiot.

I don't plan to write another science book, but I don't plan

I don't plan to write another science book, but I don't plan not to. I do enjoy writing histories, and taking subjects that are generally dull and trying to make them interesting.

There are three stages in scientific discovery. First, peopl

There are three stages in scientific discovery. First, people deny that it is true, then they deny that it is important; finally they credit the wrong person.

Consider the Lichen. Lichens are just about the hardiest vis

Consider the Lichen. Lichens are just about the hardiest visible organisms on Earth, but the least ambitious.

...and it occurred to me, with the forcefulness of a thought

...and it occurred to me, with the forcefulness of a thought experienced in 360 degrees, that that's really what history mostly is: masses of people doing ordinary things.

Life History Ordinary

Energy is liberated matter, matter is energy waiting to happ

Energy is liberated matter, matter is energy waiting to happen.

Science Einstein Energy Physics Matter Atomic

In France, a chemist named Pilatre de Rozier tested the flam

In France, a chemist named Pilatre de Rozier tested the flammability of hydrogen by gulping a mouthful and blowing across an open flame, proving at a stroke that hydrogen is indeed explosively combustible and that eyebrows are not necessarily a permanent feature of one's face.

It is a slightly arresting notion that if you were to pick y

It is a slightly arresting notion that if you were to pick yourself apart with tweezers, one atom at a time, you would produce a mound of fine atomic dust, none of which had ever been alive but all of which had once been you.

Science Philosophy

If this book has a lesson, it is that we are awfully lucky t

If this book has a lesson, it is that we are awfully lucky to be here-and by 'we' I mean every living thing. To attain any kind of life in this universe of ours appears to be quite an achievement. As humans we are doubly lucky, of course: We enjoy not only the privilege of existence but also the singular ability to appreciate it and even, in a multitude of ways, to make it better. It is a talent we have only barely begun to grasp.

Life Science Humans Achievement Universe Biology

For the moment we might very well can them DUNNOS (for Dark

For the moment we might very well can them DUNNOS (for Dark Unknown Nonreflective Nondetectable Objects Somewhere).

Funny Science Space Humour Physics Dark Matter

All that can really be said is that at some indeterminate po

All that can really be said is that at some indeterminate point in the very distant past, for reasons unknown, there came the moment known to science as t = 0. We were on our way.

There are things you just can't do in life. You can't beat t

There are things you just can't do in life. You can't beat the phone company, you can't make a waiter see you until he's ready to see you, and you can't go home again.

Clearly, some time ago makers and consumers of American junk

Clearly, some time ago makers and consumers of American junk food passed jointly through some kind of sensibility barrier in the endless quest for new taste sensations. Now they are a little like those desperate junkies who have tried every known drug and are finally reduced to mainlining toilet bowl cleanser in an effort to get still higher.

There are only three things that can kill a farmer: lightnin

There are only three things that can kill a farmer: lightning, rolling over in a tractor, and old age.

I have long known that it is part of God's plan for me to sp

I have long known that it is part of God's plan for me to spend a little time with each of the most stupid people on earth.