Vladimir Nabokov, a Russian-American novelist, poet, and critic, is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. His works, which include “Lolita,” “Pale Fire,” and “Ada,” are known for their intricate wordplay, vivid descriptions, and exploration of complex themes. Nabokov’s writing is often celebrated for its ability to captivate readers with its poetic language and profound insights into the human condition.
Throughout his career, Nabokov left behind a treasure trove of memorable quotes that offer glimpses into his genius and unique perspective on life, literature, and art. These quotes serve as windows into the mind of a literary master, providing valuable insights and inspiration to readers and writers alike.
In this article, we have compiled a collection of some of the most profound and thought-provoking quotes by Nabokov. From the nature of reality to the joys of literature, these quotes showcase the brilliance and wit of one of the literary world’s most revered figures.
Read these Nabokov Quotes
“A writer should have the precision of a poet and the imagination of a scientist.”
“Curiosity is insubordination in its purest form.”
“A work of art has no importance whatever to society. It is only important to the individual.”
“A good reader, a major reader, an active and creative reader is a rereader.”
“I think it is all a matter of love; the more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it becomes.”
“The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.”
“A novelist is, like all mortals, more fully at home on the surface of the present than in the ooze of the past.”
“The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.”
“Literature was not born the day when a boy crying ‘wolf, wolf’ came running out of the Neanderthal valley with a big gray wolf at his heels; literature was born on the day when a boy came crying ‘wolf, wolf’ and there was no wolf behind him.”
“The writer’s job is to get the main character up a tree, and once they are there, throw rocks at them.”
“The best way to approach a novel is to plunge into it, to give yourself up to it.”
“Life is a great sunrise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one.”
“The more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it becomes. Time, which sees all things, has found you again.”
“I confess I do not believe in time. I like to fold my magic carpet, after use, in such a way as to superimpose one part of the pattern upon another.”
“The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.”
“A writer should have the precision of a poet and the imagination of a scientist.”
“The evolution of sense is, in a sense, the evolution of nonsense.”
“The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.”
“Literature was born not the day when a boy crying ‘wolf, wolf’ came running out of the Neanderthal valley with a big gray wolf at his heels: literature was born on the day when a boy came crying ‘wolf, wolf’ and there was no wolf behind him.”
“I think it is all a matter of love; the more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it becomes.”
These quotes by Vladimir Nabokov offer a glimpse into the mind of a literary genius. Each quote is a testament to his profound insights, poetic language, and unique perspective on life and art. Whether you are a fan of Nabokov’s works or simply seeking inspiration, these quotes are sure to leave a lasting impression.
