James Agee quotes

James Agee was an American novelist, journalist, poet, and screenwriter, best known for his work "A Death in the Family." His deeply personal writing explored themes of family, loss, and society. He remains a significant figure in American literature and film criticism. Here are 12 of his quotes:

You must be in tune with the times and prepared to break with tradition. (James Agee)
God doesn't believe in the easy way. View quote
James Agee
The mere attempt to examine my own confusion would consume volumes. View quote
James Agee
Isn't every human being both a scientist and an artist; and in writing of human experience, isn't there a good deal to be said for recognizing that fact and for using both methods? View quote
James Agee
We are talking now of summer evenings in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the time that I lived there so successfully disguised to myself as a child. View quote
James Agee
This continent, an open palm spread frank before the sky. View quote
James Agee
Several tons of dynamite are set off in this picture - none of it under the right people. View quote
James Agee
It is a peculiar part of the good photographer's adventure to know where luck is most likely to lie in the stream, to hook it, and to bring it in without unfair play and without too much subduing it. View quote
James Agee
Some people get where they hope to in this world. Most of us don't. View quote
James Agee
You've got to bear it in mind that nobody that ever lived is specially privileged; the axe can fall at any moment, on any neck, without any warning or any regard for justice. View quote
James Agee
Well, now, some people learn a little quicker than others. It's nice to learn fast but it's nice to take your time too. (James Agee)
In every child who is born under no matter what circumstances and of no matter what parents, the potentiality of the human race is born again, and in him, too, once more, and each of us, our terrific responsibility toward human life: toward the utmost idea of goodness, of the horror of terrorism, and of God. View quote
James Agee

James Agee

Occupation: American Novelist
Born: November 27, 1909
Died: May 16, 1955
Quotes count: 12

Related authors

Walker Evans - thumbnail
Walker Evans  4 
American Photographer
Charles Laughton - thumbnail
Charles Laughton  2 
English Actor
Manny Farber  15 
American Artist
John Huston - thumbnail
John Huston  7 
American Director
Robert Mitchum - thumbnail
Robert Mitchum  12 
American Actor
William Faulkner - thumbnail
William Faulkner  280 
American Writer
Pauline Kael - thumbnail
Pauline Kael  76 
American Critic
Robert Fitzgerald  23 
American Author
John Cheever  46 
American Novelist
Dorothea Lange - thumbnail
Dorothea Lange  21 
American Photographer