Quotes by Patrick White

It was Sunday, and Mumma had gone next door with Lena and the little ones. Under the pepper tree in the yard Pa was sorting, counting, the empty bottles he would sell back: the bottles going clink clink as Pa stuck them in the sack. The fowls were fluffing in the dust and sun: that crook-neck white pullet Mumma said she would hit on the head if only she had the courage to; but she hadnt.

As it is Im a dated novelist, whom hardly anybody reads, or if they do, most of them dont understand what I am on about. Certainly I wish I had never written Voss, which is going to be everybodys albatross.

The map? I will first make it.

I am compelled into this country.

And the cavern of fire was enormous, labyrinthine, that received the man. He branched and flamed, glowed and increased, and was suddenly extinguished in the little puffs of smoke and tired thoughts.

Life is full of alternatives but no choice.

In general, Voss replied, it is necessary to communicate without knowledge of the language.

At times his arrogance did resolve itself into simplicity, though it was difficult, especially for strangers, to distinguish these occasions.

I forget what I was taught. I only remember what I have learnt.

“If truth is not acceptable, it becomes the imagination of others.”