To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed.
Joan DidionRead
Not much about California, on its own preferred terms, has encouraged its children to see themselves as connected to one another.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the lack of community and connection among individuals in California.
Joan Didion reflects on the culture of California, suggesting that it does not foster a sense of unity or belonging among its inhabitants. This lack of encouragement for individuals to see themselves as part of a larger community may lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, impacting their relationships with each other.
Themes
ConnectionCommunityRelationshipsIsolationBelonging
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community development, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of fostering connections among residents.
More from Joan Didion
All quotes βThe truth is, it's easier for me to write than talk... to express the state I'm in at any time.
Joan DidionRead
Memories are what you no longer want to remember.
Joan DidionRead
It was clear, for example, in 1988 that the political process had already become perilously remote from the electorate it was meant to represent.
Joan DidionRead
I mean maybe I was holding all the aces, but what was the game?
Joan DidionRead
Do not whine... Do not complain. Work harder. Spend more time alone.
Joan DidionRead
Similar quotes
It is still more likely that a woman's power would be seen as aggression, and a man's power would be seen as assertion.
Jessye NormanRead
Isn't that the problem? That women have been swindled for centuries into substituting adornment for love, fashion (as it were) for passion?
Erica JongRead
Generally speaking, we as black people have been celebrated more for when we are subservient when we are not being leaders or kings or in the center of our own narrative driving it forward.
David OyelowoRead
Spend time with those you love. One of these days you will say either, 'I wish I had', or 'I'm glad I did.'
Zig ZiglarRead
My parents and I entered the U.S. legally, but when it was time for our visa extension, we were turned down. Returning to China meant imprisonment for my father and persecution for my family. We were days from being forced to live here illegally when we were granted political asylum. Other families are not so lucky.
Leana S. WenRead
I just loved him and he loved me... He was a most humble man, the most decent man I've ever met in my life and he always looked for the best in people to find positives and he said something to me that always remained with me. He said if you believe in the fatherhood of God you must necessarily believe in the brotherhood of man, it follows necessarily and even though I left the church and was not religious, that truth remained with me.
Bob HawkeRead