What Are The Most Memorable Quotes From Shantaram Novel?

Fans of Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, what lines from Lin's journey in Bombay left the biggest emotional impact or made you pause and reflect?
2025-04-18 21:28:18
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8 Answers

Best Answer
BrianHart
BrianHart
Plot Explainer Sales
For 'Shantaram', people often quote Lin's philosophical musings, like 'The only way to stop being afraid is to stop thinking you have something to lose' or his reflection on love and freedom. If you enjoy impactful, character-driven writing in shorter forms, you might find a similar punch in the stories within 'Untamed Desires'. Each story is a self-contained exploration of raw emotion and human impulse, with dialogue and internal monologues that tend to linger long after you finish reading.
2026-08-06 02:20:14
126
Aaron
Aaron
Library Roamer Librarian
The quote from 'Shantaram' that I keep coming back to is, 'The most important thing in life is to stop saying 'I wish' and start saying 'I will.' It’s such a powerful call to action, urging us to take control of our lives instead of just dreaming. Another memorable line is, 'We are all refugees from our childhoods.' It’s a poignant way to describe how our past shapes us, often in ways we don’t even realize.

I also find, 'The measure of a man is not his wealth or power, but his capacity to love,' deeply moving. It’s a timeless truth that cuts through all the noise of material success and gets to the heart of what really matters.
2025-04-19 02:04:42
33
Wade
Wade
Reply Helper Doctor
In 'Shantaram', one quote that sticks with me is, 'The truth is a bully we all pretend to like.' It’s such a raw way to describe how we often avoid confronting reality because it’s uncomfortable. Another line I can’t forget is, 'We are all, every one of us, a multitude of hopes and fears, dreams and regrets.' It’s a reminder of how complex and layered every person is, even those we think we know well.

Then there’s, 'Sometimes we love with nothing more than hope. Sometimes we cry with everything except tears.' This one hits hard because it captures the essence of love and pain in such a poetic way. It’s not just about the big moments but the quiet, unspoken ones that define us. The book is full of these gems that make you pause and reflect on life, love, and the human condition.
2025-04-21 01:48:33
28
Chloe
Chloe
Contributor Journalist
One of the most striking quotes from 'Shantaram' for me is, 'The world is run by one million evil men, ten million stupid men, and a hundred million cowards.' It’s a brutal but honest take on power dynamics and human nature. Another line that resonates is, 'Happiness is a myth. It was invented to make us buy things.' It’s a sharp critique of consumerism and how we’re often chasing illusions instead of real contentment.

I also love, 'Every human heartbeat is a universe of possibilities.' It’s a beautiful reminder of the potential within each of us, no matter where we are in life. These quotes aren’t just words; they’re lessons that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
2025-04-22 02:21:01
42
Ulysses
Ulysses
Book Clue Finder Photographer
One quote from 'Shantaram' that I’ll never forget is, 'The only way to deal with fear is to face it.' It’s simple but so true. Another line that stands out is, 'Every human being is a story, and every story is a universe.' It’s a beautiful way to think about the depth and complexity of every person we meet. These quotes make the book unforgettable.
2025-04-23 03:30:43
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