I was a product of Andy Warhol's Factory. All I did was sit there and observe these incredibly talented and creative people who were continually making art, and it was impossible not to be affected by that.
Lou ReedRead
I take drugs just because in the 20th century in a technological age living in the city there are certain drugs you have to take just to keep yourself normal like a caveman. Just to bring yourself up or down, but to attain equilibrium you need to take certain drugs. They don't getcha high even, they just getcha normal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the modern necessity of using substances to maintain a sense of normality in life.
Lou Reed's quote emphasizes the paradox of contemporary life where, despite advancements in technology and urban living, individuals may rely on drugs to achieve a basic state of equilibrium, akin to what prehistoric humans might have experienced. He points out that these substances do not induce a state of euphoria but serve to counterbalance the emotional and existential challenges of modern existence, highlighting a disconnect between technological progress and mental well-being.
Themes
DrugsNormalEquilibriumTechnologyModern LifeMental Health
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about mental health resources at a community center.
More from Lou Reed
All quotes →I've always believed that there's an amazing number of things you can do through a rock'n'roll song and that you can do serious writing in a rock song if you can somehow do it without losing the beat.
Lou ReedRead
When I record an album I'm trying to get as close as possible to that perfect moment.
Lou ReedRead
That's why I survived because I still believe I've got something to say.
Lou ReedRead
They put the thing down your throat so you don't swallow your tongue, and they put electrodes on your head. That's what was recommended in Rockland State Hospital to discourage homosexual feelings. The effect is that you lose your memory and become a vegetable. You can't read a book because you get to page 17 and have to go right back to page one again.
Lou ReedRead
For a while, I felt a little self-impelled to write Lou Reed Kind of songs. I should have understood that a Lou Reed song was anything I wanted to write about.
Lou ReedRead
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