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But because we've all been readers, we know what the experience is like, and we hope that what certain writers have given to us, we will give to someone.
Wallace Shawn
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Interpretation

What this quote means

We aspire to share the impact of literature with others, as we ourselves have been profoundly influenced by it.

In this quote, Wallace Shawn reflects on the transformative power of reading and the desire of readers to pass on the gift of literature. When we immerse ourselves in the writings of others, we not only gain knowledge and insight but also experience a deep connection, which compels us to share that enrichment with others, hoping to evoke similar feelings and thoughts in them.

Themes

ReadingLiteratureInfluenceSharingExperience

In practice

Example use cases

A teacher might use this quote to inspire students to appreciate the books they read.

More from Wallace Shawn

I was making my living from a joke about my appearance that I didn't understand, and in a way still don't, because when I look in a mirror it doesn't seem funny to me.
Wallace ShawnRead
I do things, and other people laugh at them. I rarely know what the joke is supposed to be or why they're laughing.
Wallace ShawnRead
We are not what we seem. We are more than what we seem. The actor knows that. And because the actor knows that hidden inside himself there's a wizard and a king, he also knows that when he's playing himself in his daily life, he's playing a part, he's performing, just as he's performing when he plays a part on stage.
Wallace ShawnRead

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