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Thornton Wilder — Portrait after a picture by Roger Sherman Studio (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons.

The quotations of

Thornton Wilder

American playwright and novelist

1897–1975

7 quotes, most often on Writing.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
The Woman of Andros (1930), based on Terence’s Andria
- Life & Death
Wherever you come near the human race there’s layers and layers of nonsense.
Our Town (1938), “Stage Manager”
I am not interested in the ephemeral — such subjects as the adulteries of dentists. I am interested in those things that repeat and repeat and repeat in the lives of the millions.
The New York Times (6 November 1961)
- Writing
Love is an energy which exists of itself. It is its own value.
TIME magazine (3 February 1958)
- Love
It is only in appearance that time is a river. It is rather a vast landscape and it is the eye of the beholder that moves.
The Eighth Day (1967)
- Time
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate — that’s my philosophy.
The Skin of Our Teeth (1942), Act One
- Advice
- Philosophy
A dramatist is one who believes that the pure event, an action involving human beings, is more arresting than any comment that can be made upon it.
Writers at Work interview (1958)
- Writing

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