Paul Scott
Paul Scott
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Paul Scott was born on December 25, 1920, in London, England, to a British family of modest means. His full name is often written as Paul Theroux Scott, but he is commonly referred to as simply Paul Scott.
Birth and Death Dates
December 25, 1920 - April 18, 1978
Nationality and Profession(s)
Scott held dual citizenship, being both British and Indian. He worked primarily as a novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, with a focus on exploring the complexities of human relationships in the context of colonialism.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in London during the Great Depression had a profound impact on Scott's worldview. His family's financial struggles instilled in him a sense of social justice and an interest in the lives of those less fortunate than himself. This early exposure to hardship would later shape his literary pursuits, which often explored themes of poverty, inequality, and cultural clashes.
Major Accomplishments
Scott is perhaps best known for his novel The Jewel in the Crown (1966), a sweeping epic that explores the Indian independence movement from multiple perspectives. The book was widely acclaimed upon its release and went on to win several prestigious awards, including the 1970 Booker Prize. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Scott's career, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to The Jewel in the Crown, Scott wrote numerous other novels, plays, and screenplays that have left an indelible mark on literary history. Some notable works include:
Staying On (1977) - a poignant exploration of the human cost of colonialism
The Raj Quartet (1966-1975) - a quartet of novels that collectively tell the story of India's struggle for independence
* Plays (various dates) - Scott also worked as a playwright, penning several plays that were well-received by critics and audiences alike
Impact and Legacy
Scott's literary output has had a lasting impact on readers worldwide. His writing often tackled sensitive topics with sensitivity and nuance, earning him widespread acclaim for his thought-provoking works. The themes of colonialism, social justice, and the complexities of human relationships that permeate his writing continue to resonate with audiences today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Scott's influence on modern literature is undeniable. His ability to craft compelling stories that explore the intricacies of human experience has inspired countless readers and writers alike. The themes he tackled in his work - colonialism, social inequality, and the complexities of human relationships - remain relevant today, ensuring that Scott's legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Through his writing, Scott provided a powerful voice for those often overlooked or marginalized by society. His literary output serves as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into worlds both familiar and unknown. As we reflect on Paul Scott's remarkable life and work, it becomes clear why he is widely quoted and remembered - his writing continues to captivate audiences with its depth, nuance, and enduring relevance.
Quotes by Paul Scott

Blessed are the insulted and the shat upon,’ Barbie said. ‘For they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven, which is currently under offer with vacant possession.

He said history was a sum of situations whose significance was never seen until long afterwards because people had been afraid to act them out. They couldn’t face up to their responsibility for them. They preferred to think of the situations they found themselves in as part of a general drift of events they had no control over, which meant that they never really understood those situations, and so in a curious way the situations did become part of a general drift of events.

It is said that he spoke the language of the greased palm, and this language is international.

Well, life is not just a business of standing on dry land and occasionally getting your feet wet. It is merely an illusion that some of us stand on one bank and some on the opposite. So long as we stand like that we are not living at all, but dreaming. So jump, jump in, and let the shock wake us up. Even if we drown, at least for a moment or two before we die we shall be awake and alive.

There are images that stay vividly in your mind, even after many years: images coupled with the feeling that at the same time came to you. Sometimes you can know that such an image has been selected to stay with you forever out of the hundreds you every day encounter.

What a lot you know.’ I laughed and said it was one of the few advantages of old age, to be a repository of bits and pieces of casual information that sometimes come in useful. But she said she didn’t really mean that, she meant know as distinct from remember.

It was extraordinary, Ahmed thought, how men distinguished in one field – and he assumed that Pandit Baba Sahib was distinguished – seemed to claim for themselves wisdom in all spheres of human activity; wisdom and the right to make pronouncements which they expected you to listen to and learn from.

The structure of a friendship is seldom submitted to analysis until it comes under pressure;.

