James Clavell quotes

James Clavell was a British-Australian author, screenwriter, and director, best known for his epic Asian Saga novels. His works such as "Shōgun" and "Tai-Pan" have captivated millions of readers with their rich storytelling and deep exploration of historical and cultural themes. He remains a major influence in historical fiction, celebrated for bringing East and West together in his stories. Here are 58 of his quotes:

God gives us intelligence to uncover the wonders of nature. Without the gift, nothing is possible.

James Clavell

Only by living at the edge of death can you understand the indescribable joy of life.

James Clavell

All stories have a beginning, a middle and an ending, and if they're any good, the ending is a beginning.

James Clavell

What are clouds, but an excuse for the sky? What is life, but an escape from death?

James Clavell

Wars are fought by teenagers, you realize that. They really ought to be fought by the politicians and old people who start these wars.

James Clavell

How beautiful life is and how sad! How fleeting, with no past and no future, only a limitless now.

James Clavell

.., by universal custom, your enemy is never more polite than when he is planning or has planned your destruction.

James Clavell

The more I know, the more sure I am I know so little. The eternal paradox.

James Clavell

The scarcity of years does not necessitate lack of wisdom.

James Clavell

Isn't man but a blossom taken by wind, and only the mountains and the sea and the stars and this land of the gods everlasting?

James Clavell

To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that discipline - training - is about.

James Clavell

Changi for me - of course it's easy to be wise after the event, and to discuss it cleverly after the event - was about as near as you can get to being dead and still be alive.

James Clavell

Love is a Christian word, Anjin-san. Love is a Christian thought, a Christian ideal. We have no word for 'love' as I understand you to mean it. Duty, loyalty, honor, respect, desire, those words and thoughts are what we have, all that we need.

James Clavell

I'm going to work hard not to have any wrong thoughts!

James Clavell

I'm going to get that bloody bastard if I die in the attempt.

James Clavell

Your old teacher never explained anything to you? I don't think that was very good. Not to explain. You can always ask me anything. That's what a real teacher should do.

James Clavell

I put the candy on the desk. So you know, it doesn't matter who you shut your eyes and pray to - to God, or anyone, even our leader - no one will ever give you anything. Only another human being ... only I, or someone like me, can give you things. Praying to God or anyone for something is a waste of time.

James Clavell

Isn't it only through laughter that we become one with the gods and thus can endure life and can overcome all the horror and waste and suffering here on earth? ...Isn't it only through laughter we can stay human?

James Clavell

And Adam ruled, for he was the King. Until the day his will to be King deserted him. Then he died, food for a stronger. And the strongest was always the King, not by strength alone, but King by cunning and luck and strength together. Among the rats.

James Clavell

What can I do to help thee?" he asked. "Believe there is a tomorrow.

James Clavell

There is no dignity for either the sufferer or the torturer.

James Clavell

So much wealth and so much power, Armstrong thought, yet with a little luck, we can bring you down like Humpty-Dumpty...

James Clavell