Introduction

F Scott Fitzgerald is considered to be one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century. His novels and short stories are known for their vivid portrayals of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties. But Fitzgerald's writing is not just about the glittering parties and the glamorous lifestyles. His works are also full of insightful and inspiring quotes that offer wisdom about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

1. On Love and Relationships

"I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you."

This quote from Fitzgerald's novel "The Beautiful and Damned" captures the essence of true love. It suggests that love is not just about finding someone who matches your expectations, but also about finding someone who brings out the best in you. When you are with the person you love, you feel complete and fulfilled.

2. On Ambition and Success

"For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again."

This quote from "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to chase your dreams and pursue your passions. It encourages us to be bold, take risks, and live life to the fullest.

3. On Life and Death

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

This famous quote from "The Great Gatsby" is a poignant reflection on the human condition. It suggests that life is a never-ending struggle against the forces of time and change. No matter how hard we try to move forward, we are constantly pulled back by the memories and experiences of our past.

4. On Creativity and Writing

"You don't write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say."

This quote from Fitzgerald is a powerful reminder that writing is not just about expressing yourself, but also about sharing a message with the world. It encourages writers to focus on their ideas and their passion, rather than just trying to impress others with their words.

5. On Happiness and Contentment

"I hope she'll be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."

This quote from "The Great Gatsby" is often interpreted as a cynical comment on the limited opportunities available to women in the 1920s. But it can also be seen as a call to embrace simplicity and innocence, and to find happiness in the little things in life.

6. On Change and Transformation

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning -"

This famous quote from "The Great Gatsby" is a powerful metaphor for the human desire for change and transformation. It suggests that we are constantly striving for something better, something more elusive and exciting than our current reality. It encourages us to keep chasing our dreams, no matter how far away they may seem.

7. On Wealth and Materialism

"Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me. They possess and enjoy early, and it does something to them, makes them soft where we are hard, and cynical where we are trustful, in a way that, unless you were born rich, it is very difficult to understand."

This quote from "The Rich Boy" is a telling insight into the world of the wealthy elite. It suggests that money and material possessions can distort our values and our perceptions of the world around us.

8. On Truth and Reality

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."

This quote from Fitzgerald is a powerful reminder that truth and reality are not always straightforward or easy to understand. It encourages us to embrace complexity and ambiguity, and to be open to multiple perspectives and viewpoints.

9. On Hope and Despair

"I hope I haven't given you the impression that I consider myself a martyr. I'm simply a pessimist - a pessimist with a sense of history."

This quote from "Tender Is the Night" is a wry comment on the human tendency to see the worst in things. It suggests that even in the face of despair and hardship, we can still find hope and resilience.

10. On Friendship and Loyalty

"The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to."

This seemingly cryptic quote from "The Crack-Up" is actually a poignant reflection on the nature of friendship and loyalty. It suggests that true friends are always there for us, even in our darkest moments, and that their presence can bring us comfort and solace.

Conclusion

F Scott Fitzgerald's quotes are not just inspiring and insightful, they are also timeless. They offer wisdom and guidance for people in all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender, or background. Whether you are looking for inspiration for your writing, seeking guidance on love and relationships, or simply trying to make sense of the world around you, Fitzgerald's words are sure to resonate with you. So take some time to explore his works, and discover the beauty and power of his quotes for yourself.