Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
This is not a book in the ordinary sense of the word. No, this is a prolonged insult, a gob of spit in the face of art, a kick in the pants to God, Man, Destiny, Time, Love, Beauty... what you will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Henry Miller emphasizes that his work transcends traditional literature by confronting and challenging societal and artistic norms.
In this quote, Henry Miller expresses his belief that his writing is not merely a conventional book but rather a provocative statement against established ideals such as art, divinity, and human experiences. By presenting his work as an affront to these concepts, he seeks to provoke thought and provoke reactions from his readers, challenging them to rethink their assumptions about literature and life.
Themes
ArtProvocationNormsLiteratureChallenge
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about literary freedom at a writer's workshop.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
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