I mean, every novel's a historical novel anyway. But calling something a historical novel seems to put mittens on it, right? It puts manners on it. And you don't want your novels to be mannered.
Colum MccannRead
She wanted to tell him so mach, on the tarmac, the day he left. The world is run by brutal men and the surest proof is their armies. If they ask you to stand still, you should dance. If they ask you to burn the flag, wave it. If they ask you to murder, re-create.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of resilience and creativity in the face of oppression and brutality.
Colum McCann's quote captures the spirit of resistance against oppressive forces by advocating for personal agency and creativity. It acknowledges the harsh realities of the world governed by ruthless individuals but encourages individuals to respond with defiance and innovation rather than passivity or violence. The call to 'dance' instead of standing still symbolizes the need to embrace life actively, even when faced with demanding or immoral commands.
Themes
ResilienceCreativityDefianceOppressionBrutality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about standing up for human rights, one might reference this quote to inspire action.
More from Colum Mccann
All quotes →Goodness was more difficult than evil. Evil men knew that more than good men. That's why they became evil. That's why it stuck with them. Evil was for those who could never reach the truth. It was a mask for stupidity and lack of love. Even if people laughed at the notion of goodness, if they found it sentimental, or nostalgic, it didn't matter -- it was none of those things, he said, and it had to be fought for.
Colum MccannRead
She takes another long haul, lets the smoke settle in her lungs-- she has heard somewhere that cigarettes are good for grief. One long drag and you forget how to cry. The body too busy dealing with the poison.
Colum MccannRead
It was a silence that heard itself, awful and beautiful.
Colum MccannRead
It struck me that distant cities are designed precisely so you can know where you came from.
Colum MccannRead
And I suddenly think, as I look across the table at him, that these are the days as they will be. This is the future as we see it. The swerve and the static. The confidence and the doubt.
Colum MccannRead
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