William Faulkner
William Faulkner (1897–1962) was an American novelist and Nobel laureate known for his complex narratives set in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. His major works include The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying and Absalom, Absalom! His writing explores memory, identity and the social history of the American South.
Quotes by William Faulkner
Quotes: 7

Why Mississippi Reveals the Heart of the World
Transitioning deeper, Mississippi’s complex history—marked by slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement—mirrors universal struggles. By understanding how the past weighs upon its people, as seen in Faulkner’s characters haunted by memory and guilt, we grasp how history shapes communities worldwide. In this sense, the local and the global become intertwined through the lens of place. [...]
Created on: 7/3/2025

Mississippi as a Microcosm for Understanding Humanity
William Faulkner’s observation elevates the idea that a particular locale—here, Mississippi—can serve as a lens for interpreting broader truths about the world. Rather than suggesting Mississippi holds all answers, Faulkner implies that grappling with the unique complexities of a specific place sharpens one’s sensitivity to the universal patterns of history, culture, and human nature. [...]
Created on: 7/3/2025

True Freedom Lies in Its Daily Practice
Delving further, the practice of freedom emerges in our everyday actions—how we speak, assemble, debate, and dissent. Historian Eric Foner, in his classic work ‘The Story of American Freedom’ (1998), emphasizes that rights only become meaningful through their exercise. Whether voting, expressing unpopular opinions, or respecting others’ autonomy, these acts reaffirm and continually create freedom in society. [...]
Created on: 5/10/2025

Raise Your Voice for Truth and Compassion - William Faulkner
William Faulkner was an American writer known for his powerful explorations of the human condition. His works often dealt with social issues, morality, and personal struggle, making this quote reflective of his broader worldview. [...]
Created on: 3/27/2025

Belief Shapes Reality - William Faulkner
This quote underscores the importance of perception in shaping one's experiences. Even if the world offers opportunities or blessings, they go unnoticed if one does not believe in them. [...]
Created on: 1/23/2025

Given the Choice Between the Experience of Pain and Nothing, I Would Choose Pain — William Faulkner
This quote reflects an existential viewpoint, implying that experiencing pain is a way of affirming existence. Choosing pain over nothingness highlights the idea that living, even with suffering, is more meaningful than apathy or nonexistence. [...]
Created on: 10/3/2024

You Cannot Swim for New Horizons Until You Have Courage to Lose Sight of the Shore - William Faulkner
William Faulkner, an American author and Nobel Prize laureate, often explored themes of human struggle and endurance. This quote reflects his literary focus on the complexities of the human spirit and the courage needed to face life’s challenges. [...]
Created on: 7/4/2024