JM

Javier Marias

52quotes

Javier Marias


Full Name and Common Aliases

Javier Mariás Trimboli is a Spanish novelist, short story writer, playwright, translator, and essayist.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on January 15, 1951, in Madrid, Spain. Still active and living.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Spanish, Novelist, Short Story Writer, Playwright, Translator, Essayist.

Early Life and Background


Marias was born to a Spanish mother and an Argentine father, which exposed him early on to the complexities of language and culture. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's diplomatic career. This experience would later influence Marias' writing style, often exploring themes of identity, belonging, and dislocation.

Major Accomplishments


Marias has received numerous awards for his work, including the National Literature Prize (2007) in Spain and the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature (2015). His novels are known for their lyrical prose, nuanced characterization, and exploration of human psychology. Marias is also a renowned translator, having worked on various literary projects throughout his career.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Marias' most notable works include:
"A Heart So White" (Un efecto mecanico): A novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of one's actions.
 "The Infamous Woman" (La pasiva ejemplar): A biographical novel about Madame Noin, a French courtesan who became embroiled in Napoleon's rise to power.
* "Thus Bad Begins" (Así empieza lo malo): A novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.

Impact and Legacy


Marias' work has had a significant impact on modern literature, with his novels often exploring themes relevant to contemporary society. His writing style, which blends elements of realism and psychological insight, has influenced a new generation of writers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Marias is widely quoted or remembered for his thought-provoking and insightful writings on human nature, relationships, and the complexities of identity.

Quotes by Javier Marias

Not to gain time, but maybe to lose it, to see it pass.
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Not to gain time, but maybe to lose it, to see it pass.
JM
People only get married when they’ve no other option, out of panic or desperation or so as not to lose someone they couldn’t bear to lose. It’s always the most conventional things that contain the largest measure of madness.
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People only get married when they’ve no other option, out of panic or desperation or so as not to lose someone they couldn’t bear to lose. It’s always the most conventional things that contain the largest measure of madness.
JM
Superstition is just another form of thought like any other, a form that accentuates and regulates the association of ideas, it’s an exacerbation, an illness, but, in fact, all thought is sickness, which is why no one ever thinks too much, at least most people do their best not to.
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Superstition is just another form of thought like any other, a form that accentuates and regulates the association of ideas, it’s an exacerbation, an illness, but, in fact, all thought is sickness, which is why no one ever thinks too much, at least most people do their best not to.
JM
Life is a very bad novelist. It is chaotic and ludicrous.
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Life is a very bad novelist. It is chaotic and ludicrous.
JM
One of the best possible perspectives from which to tell a story is that of a ghost, someone who is dead but can still witness.
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One of the best possible perspectives from which to tell a story is that of a ghost, someone who is dead but can still witness.
JM
It’s so sad that no one writes down the things we go through, and even worse – no one will ever know about it, no one will ever see or hear about it, no one will ever be able to restore.
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It’s so sad that no one writes down the things we go through, and even worse – no one will ever know about it, no one will ever see or hear about it, no one will ever be able to restore.
JM
Illusions are important. What you foresee or what you remember can be as important as what really happens.
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Illusions are important. What you foresee or what you remember can be as important as what really happens.
JM
Kui tahes surnud vana armastus ka ei oleks, uusi armsamaid haavab see ikka.
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Kui tahes surnud vana armastus ka ei oleks, uusi armsamaid haavab see ikka.
JM
Quienes actúan envueltos en niebla y de espaldas al resto, y no reclaman ni necesitan reconocimiento, esos son los que turban más el universo.
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Quienes actúan envueltos en niebla y de espaldas al resto, y no reclaman ni necesitan reconocimiento, esos son los que turban más el universo.
JM
A todo se acostumbra uno, sí, como se dice vulgarmente, y gran verdad vulgar es esa.
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A todo se acostumbra uno, sí, como se dice vulgarmente, y gran verdad vulgar es esa.
JM
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