QuoteProject
New York, like the Soviet Union, has this universal usefulness: It makes you glad you live elsewhere.
John Updike
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the contrasting feelings about New York City and the Soviet Union, hinting at their overwhelming nature that makes one appreciative of other places.

John Updike's quote humorously compares New York City to the Soviet Union, suggesting that both can be so intense or overwhelming that they create a sense of relief in living outside of them. The implication is that while they offer universal experiences or usefulness, their characteristics can also lead to a sense of discontent, making one feel fortunate to have alternatives.

Themes

New YorkSoviet UnionHumorContrastLocationAppreciation

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about urban life challenges, you might quote this to lighten the mood.

More from John Updike

If you have the guts to be yourself, other people'll pay your price.
John UpdikeRead
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of. _x000D_ _x000D_ Suspect each moment, for it is a thief, tiptoeing away with more than it brings.
John UpdikeRead
Museums and bookstores should feel, I think, like vacant lots - places where the demands on us are our own demands, where the spirit can find exercise in unsupervised play.
John UpdikeRead
But it is just two lovers, holding hands and in a hurry to reach their car, their locked hands a starfish leaping through the dark.
John UpdikeRead
The reader knows the writer better than he knows himself; but the writer's physical presence is light from a star that has moved on.
John UpdikeRead
To guarantee the individual maximum freedom within a social frame of minimal laws ensures - if not happiness - its hopeful pursuit.
John UpdikeRead

Similar quotes

I wanted to write something that would be a comedy in the sense of making people feel happier when they finish it than they did when began it.
Neil GaimanRead
Nanny Ogg could see the future in the froth on a beer mug. It invariably showed that she was going to enjoy a refreshing drink which she almost certainly was not going to pay for.
Terry PratchettRead
If you have to dry the dishes (Such an awful boring chore) If you have to dry the dishes ('Stead of going to the store) If you have to dry the dishes And you drop one on the floor Maybe they won't let you Dry the dishes anymore
Shel SilversteinRead
There live not three good men unhanged in England; and one of them is fat and grows old.
William ShakespeareRead
I think that comedy really tells you how it is. The other thing about comedy is that - you don't even know if you're failing in drama, but you do know when you're failing in comedy. When you go to a comedy and you don't hear anybody laughing, you know that you've failed.
Carl ReinerRead
Just call in at the torturer on your way out. See when he can fit you in.
Terry PratchettRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.