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
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.
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
All quotes βI 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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Speak English!' said the Eaglet. 'I don't know the meaning of half those long words, and I don't believe you do either!
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I cannot imagine the type of sinister fiend who would be against the library. A library essentially says, 'Look, here is some free information that will enrich your life. Read it on your own time. I trust that you will bring it back when you are finished.' It might be the most civilized, forward-thinking institution in America. Perhaps the only one, in fact.
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I can teach many sports, but obviously, tennis is the one. When you do other sports, you see things from different perspectives: different footwork drills, body positions, angles and geometry. All that stuff is helpful, and so when I do other sports, I can see things, because once you know one sport, then the other sport becomes more clear.
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Too many young musicians today want to win polls before they learn their instruments.
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Creativity is the key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity in children at that level.
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