TagSimon Raven

Simon Raven was an English novelist, best known for his series of novels Alms for Oblivion. The series is a satirical examination of upper-class English life in the mid-twentieth century, and was praised for its acerbic wit and incisive social commentary. Raven himself was a controversial figure, known for his rakish lifestyle and his tendency to court scandal.

Pleasure vs. Happiness

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

P

Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Forgiving Criminals

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

F

Society often forgives the criminal; it never forgives the dreamer.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Attractiveness Bias

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

A

The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her if she is pretty and to someone else if she is plain.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Hope and Despair

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

H

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Cynicism

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

C

The cynic is one who never sees a good quality in a man and never fails to see a bad one.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Disregarding Threats

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

D

He who does not fear death cares naught for threats.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Gentility

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

G

A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Education’s Value

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

E

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing worth knowing can be taught.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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Advice Utilization

In Fiction, Literary Fiction

A

The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.
Simon Raven – Alms for Oblivion

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