Bush has not read enough books to have a developed moral sense. The fewer books you read, the easier it is to become fundamental. In some ways my antiwar stand here is also a stand on anti-literacy. Someone should get G.W. into a reading program, get him to join a book club. Have him read Hamlet, King Lear.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of reading for developing a moral compass and critical thinking.
Sherman Alexie critiques the lack of literary engagement in political leadership, suggesting that limited reading can lead to fundamentalist views. He believes that exposure to complex literature, such as Shakespeare's works, can enhance one's understanding of morality and nuanced perspectives, ultimately advocating for an educated and reflective approach to leadership.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of education, one might quote Alexie to stress the value of reading.
Gordie, the white boy genius, gave me this book by a Russian dude named Tolstoy, who wrote, 'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Well, I hate to argue with a Russian genius, but Tolstoy didn't know Indians, and he didn't know that all Indian families are unhappy for the same exact reasons: the frikkin' booze.
My wife was the first romantic partner who understood both American and native parts of me - not so much the positive stuff, but the damage.
I draw because words are too unpredictable. I draw because words are too limited. If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture everybody can understand it. If I draw a cartoon of a flower, then every man, woman, and child in the world can look at it and say, "That's a flower.
We all have to find our own ways to say good-bye.
I write books for teenagers because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen facing everyday and epic dangers. I don't write to protect them. It's far too late for that. I write to give them weapons-in the form of words and ideas-that will help them fight their monsters. I write in blood because I remember what it felt like to bleed.
A lot of people have no idea that right now Y.A. (young adult). is the Garden of Eden of literature.
Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. [Therefore do not compare your lot with another's lest you see their advantages and lose the joy of what you already have.]
I am still learning. (at age 87)
You never get over losses. I've never gotten over one loss I've had in my career. They always stick with me.
The pessimist borrows trouble; the optimists lend encouragement.
A man is hid under his tongue.
How terrible is wisdom, when it brings no profit to the man that's wise
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