Quotes by Hubert Selby, Jr.

About Hubert Selby, Jr.:

Hubert "Cubby" Selby, Jr. was a 20th-century American writer. His best-known novels are Last Exit to Brooklyn (1964) and Requiem for a Dream (1978), exploring worlds in the New York area. Both novels were adapted later as films, and he appeared in small roles in each.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

There was a sky somewhere above the tops of the buildings, with stars and a moon and all the things there are in a sky, but they were content to think of the distant street lights as planets and stars. If the lights prevented you from seeing the heav...

Hubert Selby Jr.

The voice so filled with nostalgia that you could almost see the memories floating through the blue smoke, memories not only of music and joy and youth, but perhaps, of dreams. They listened to the music, each hearing it in his own way, feeling relax...

Hubert Selby Jr.

There's a sorrow and pain in everyone's life, but every now and then there's a ray of light that melts the loneliness in your heart and brings comfort like hot soup and a soft bed.

Hubert Selby Jr.

He didnt know what was defeating him, but he sensed it was something he could not cope with, something that was far beyond his power to control or even at this point in time comprehend.

Hubert Selby Jr.

...and he just sat back and stared at the tube, almost interested in what was happening, trying to find the ability to believe in that lie so he could believe the one within.

Hubert Selby Jr.

For weeks Tyrone thought he was going to die any minute, and there were also times when he was afraid he wasnt going to die.

Hubert Selby Jr.

Life was not longer something to endure, but to live.

Hubert Selby Jr.

This book is dedicated, with love, to Bobby, who has found the only pound of pure- Faith in a Loving God.

Hubert Selby Jr.

All the energy of their frustration and fear going into their laughter.

Hubert Selby Jr.

But you cant shut everyone out. I mean you have to have someone to love. . .someone to hold on to. . . someone--

Hubert Selby Jr.

But to believe that getting stuff is the purpose and aim of life is madness.

Hubert Selby Jr.

They luxuriated in the feeling of deep and all pervading satisfaction, a feeling of knowing absolutely that all was well with the world and them and that the world was not only their oyster it was also their linguine with clam sauce. Not only were al...

Hubert Selby Jr.

Eventually we all have to accept full and total responsibility for our actions, everything we have done, and have not done.

Hubert Selby Jr.

I've always felt alienated. I realized that I've been terrified my entire life. So I can identify that fear which drives so many of the people that I write about.

Hubert Selby, Jr.

One of the things I have become aware of through the years is how much I love the people I write about.

Hubert Selby, Jr.

My writing is inspired by just about everything, yet I am unaware of so much of the process.

Hubert Selby, Jr.

I guess it could be said that the inspiration for 'Requiem for a Dream' is watching the American dream not only destroy so many lives in the U.S., but infect the rest of the world with its obsession with getting more, ignoring the deadly effect that ...

Hubert Selby, Jr.

I was sitting at home and had a profound experience. I experienced, in all of my Being, that someday I was going to die, and it wouldn't be like it had been happening, almost dying but somehow staying alive, but I would just die! And two things would...

Hubert Selby Jr.

I think the function of suffering is to let me know that my perception is skewed; what I’m doing is judging natural events in such a way that I am creating suffering within myself. For instance, you have pain over certain conditions, certain situat...

Hubert Selby Jr.

Author Bio

  • NameHubert Selby, Jr.
  • DescriptionAmerican writer
  • BornJuly 23, 1928
  • DiedApril 26, 2004
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionScreenwriter; Novelist; Writer
  • WorksLast Exit To Brooklyn; The Room; Requiem For A Dream