Charles Portis Quotes

Charles McColl Portis was an American author best known for his novels Norwood (1966) and the classic Western True Grit (1968), both adapted as films. The latter also inspired a film sequel and a made-for-TV movie sequel.

Birth: December 28, 1933 - Death: February 17, 2020

There is no knowing what is in a man’s heart.

As he drank, little brown drops of coffee clung to his mustache like dew. Men will live like billy goats if they are let alone.

Topic(s): Ifs , Men , Littles

Lookin’ back is a bad habit.

Topic(s): Habit , Bad Habits

Nothing I like to do pays well.

Topic(s): Wells , Pay

One time you smash a bug with no mercy. Another time you find one helpless on his back with his legs flailing the air, and you flip him over and let him go on his way. The struggle that touches the heart.

Topic(s): Way , Heart , Struggle

Listen, here’s what I’d like to do: I’d like to live in a trailer and play records all night.

Topic(s): Play , Night , Records

If you want anything done right you will have to see to it yourself every time.

Topic(s): Ifs , Want , Done

What have you done when you have bested a fool?

Topic(s): Done , Fool

Time just gets away from us.

Topic(s): Get Away , Grit , True Grit

I know what they said even if they would not say it to my face. People love to talk. They love to slander you if you have any substance.

Topic(s): People , Ifs , Knows

You must pay for everything in this world one way and another. There is nothing free except the Grace of God. You cannot earn that or deserve it.

Topic(s): World , Way , Pay

I always go backwards when I am backing up.

Topic(s): Backwards , Backing Up

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Charles Portis Quotes