Barry Lopez quotes

We simply do not understand our place in the universe and have not the courage to admit it. (Barry Lopez)

My function as a writer is to provide an atmosphere in which people can think wisely about what we're doing on this planet.

Barry Lopez

My faith is in my colleagues. And when I meet other writers, journalists, who've been doing this for a long time, trying to make us aware of what it is that we're living in, I put my faith in those people.

Barry Lopez

There's so much to be afraid of.

Barry Lopez

People think that if you've written a book and somebody's given you a pat on the back then, you know, it's all - you're all settled, you know? You're going to be fine. I know that if I'm not confused, and really afraid, my work isn't going to be any good.

Barry Lopez

Everything is held together with stories. That is all that is holding us together, stories and compassion.

Barry Lopez

Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive.

Barry Lopez

People understand that elders listen respectfully to everyone. There's a place at their table for every person. But they know, too, that the elders have consistently been the best people to make important decisions. People are, therefore, comfortable deferring. Their dignity is not compromised, nor do they feel powerless or demeaned, because they are carrying out the decisions of the elders. They know the elders embody the wisdom of their ancestors, that without them they would never have gotten this far...

Barry Lopez

In the west, we believe we are the most progressive and socially just, but a lot of that is just a hopeful illusion.

Barry Lopez

I imagined in everybody I passed there was some story that they carried with them that would break your heart. So how could you have the temerity to approach that person and say, here's what's wrong with you?

Barry Lopez

When I sit at that typewriter, I have to be frightened of what I'm trying to do. I'm frightened by my own belief that I can actually get a story down on paper. (Barry Lopez)

The peculiar thing that he said was, all of our chiefs die on the road. And what he was talking about was, we must all bear up and know that we will all pass away, but it's important to keep these things alive and to give your life to the protection of these ideals.

Barry Lopez

Barry Lopez

Occupation: American Author
Born: January 6, 1945
Died: December 25, 2020
Quotes count: 12
Wikipedia: Barry Lopez

Related authors

Terry Tempest Williams 38

American Author

Jonathan Safran Foer 311

American Writer

Rick Bass 10

American Writer

Annie Dillard 119

American Author

Joyce Carol Oates 202

American Novelist

Gretel Ehrlich 4

American Writer

Robert Pinsky 30

American Poet

Edward Abbey 179

American Author

Lydia Davis 49

American Writer

Peter Matthiessen 9

American Writer