Robert Payne
Robert Payne: A Life of Literature and Adventure
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Payne was a British writer, critic, historian, and adventurer who lived a life full of excitement and creativity. His full name was George Robert Stow Meiklejohn Payne, but he was commonly known as Robert Payne.
Birth and Death Dates
Payne was born on November 6, 1901, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and passed away on January 28, 1987, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Payne held British nationality and worked as a writer, critic, historian, and translator. He was known for his versatility and range, having written on various subjects including literature, history, philosophy, and art.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Scotland, Payne developed a love for literature and the arts from an early age. His family moved to London when he was young, where he attended school and began to develop his writing skills. Payne's early life was marked by a sense of restlessness and adventure, which would stay with him throughout his life.
Major Accomplishments
Payne's career spanned over five decades, during which he achieved numerous notable accomplishments. He wrote over 60 books on various subjects, including literary criticism, historical biographies, and philosophical treatises. Some of his most famous works include "The Revolt of the Tongue" (1947), "The French Experience" (1948), and "The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler" (1950).
Notable Works or Actions
Payne was known for his fearless approach to writing, often tackling sensitive topics that were considered taboo at the time. He was a pioneer in the field of literary criticism, introducing new ideas and perspectives that challenged conventional thinking. Payne's work also reflected his love of travel and adventure, as he wrote about his experiences living in different countries, including France and Italy.
Impact and Legacy
Payne's impact on literature and society cannot be overstated. His writing helped shape the way people thought about art, history, and culture, inspiring a new generation of writers and thinkers. Payne was also a vocal advocate for intellectual freedom and creative expression, using his platform to challenge censorship and promote artistic innovation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Payne is widely quoted and remembered today because of his unique blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and courage. His writing continues to inspire readers around the world, offering insights into the human condition that are both profound and thought-provoking. Payne's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of literature to challenge our assumptions, expand our horizons, and push us towards greater understanding and empathy.
Payne's life was marked by a sense of adventure and discovery, which is reflected in his writing and continues to inspire readers today. His commitment to intellectual freedom and creative expression has left a lasting impact on the literary world, ensuring that his legacy will be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Robert Payne

All is forgiven to kings and popes. History grants them immunity, even a full pardon, even when they admit their crimes and glory in them.

It is almost a general rule that nations do not decline gradually. Instead they fall abruptly from their greatest heights.

Historically the first philosopher to enquire deeply into the nature of corruption in society was Ibn Khaldun (1322-1406), whose wandering life was largely spent in the northern littoral of Africa at a time when kingdoms and sultanates were crumbling.

Long before the empire had reached its greatest extent, the Romans were bored by it.

The second corruption of the state is oligarchy (oligos = few), in which the military elite is narrowed down to a few ruling families of immense wealth and prestige, who now openly flaunt their wealth and possessions.

The United States is dangerously close to being a plutocracy. A third of the private wealth is owned by less than 5 percent of the population.

For domination has nothing whatsoever to do with good government, and power as an end in itself destroys good government.


