After I won the Newbery Medal for 'From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,' children all over the world let me know that they liked books that take them to unusual places where they meet unusual people.
E. L. KonigsburgRead
Every now and then, a person must do something simply because he wants to, because it seems to him worth doing. And that does not make it worthless or a waste of time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should engage in activities purely for our own fulfillment, without worrying about their perceived value.
This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing personal passions and interests that may not have practical benefits. It suggests that doing things purely for the joy or satisfaction they bring is essential and valuable, highlighting that personal fulfillment should be a priority rather than solely focusing on productivity or societal expectations.
Themes
Personal FulfillmentWorthwhilePassionValueEnjoyment
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to encourage creativity and self-expression.
More from E. L. Konigsburg
All quotes →The essential problems remain the same... The kids I write about are asking for the same things I wanted. They want two contradictory things. They want to be the same as everyone else, and they want to be different from everyone else. They want acceptance for both.
E. L. KonigsburgRead
I'm not sure that love and like aren't like cats and dogs: One can't grow up to be the other, but they can be taught to live under the same roof.
E. L. KonigsburgRead
I think most of us are outsiders. And I think that's good because it makes you question things.
E. L. KonigsburgRead
Art comes from a visceral need and is usually generated by something I have seen; writing comes from something that happens in my head and my heart.
E. L. KonigsburgRead
Finish. The difference between being a writer and being a person of talent is the discipline it takes to apply the seat of your pants to the seat of your chair and finish. Don't talk about doing it. Do it. Finish.
E. L. KonigsburgRead
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