Richard McKenna quotes

Richard McKenna was an American author and former United States Navy sailor, best known for his historical novel "The Sand Pebbles". His work drew upon his own experiences serving in the Navy, lending authenticity to his storytelling. He made a lasting impact on American literature with his vivid depictions of life at sea and cultural encounters. Here are 7 of his quotes:

Each man of us is living his own personal work of art, and cannot evade artistic responsibility for his product.

Richard McKenna

Being dead is being weak and walled off.

Richard McKenna

You can't just plain die. You got to do it by the book.

Richard McKenna

Jake Holman knew he was a strange bird and he was used to going aboard new ships. By the time they realized they were in a struggle Jake Holman would already have made for himself the place he wanted on their ship and they could never dislodge him. Or wish to.

Richard McKenna

It is said there will be no more war. We must pretend to believe that. But when war comes, it is we who will take the first shock and buy time with our lives. It is we who keep the faith. We are not honored for it. We are called mercenaries on the outposts of empire. ... We serve the flag. The trade we follow is the give and take of death. It is for that purpose the American people maintain us. Any one of us who believes he has a job like any other, for which he draws a money wage, is a thief of the food he eats and a trespasser in the bunk in which he lies down to sleep!

Richard McKenna

Holman:" Get her out of Here...if they catch her you know what they are going to do her.." [To:Sherley Eckart] Dont Worry I'll be along...Holman shoots about 8 soldiers trying to invade the mission. He is only a few feet from catching up withe others when he is struck by a bullett.

Richard McKenna