A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick -- a couple of thousand words to take you around the universe or break your heart.
Neil GaimanRead
If a Devil is one who dares, when others hold back, then I am happy to play the Devil in this Mystery, boy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing daring actions where others hesitate signifies a bold approach to challenges.
This quote by Neil Gaiman speaks to the concept of bravery in the face of uncertainty or fear. It suggests that being willing to take risks or step into the unknown, even if it means appearing controversial or challenging moral norms, can be a source of strength and fulfillment. The speaker identifies with the idea of the 'Devil,' representing the courage to diverge from the conventional path and embrace the mysteries of life.
Themes
CourageDaringRiskMysteryBoldness
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, to encourage the audience to take risks.
More from Neil Gaiman
All quotes →Jesus. Low-Key Lyesmith," said Shadow. and then he heard what he was saying and he understood. "Loki," he said. "Loki Lie-smith." "You're slow," said Loki, "but you get there in the end." And his lips twisted into a scarred smile and the embers danced in the shadows of his eyes.
Neil GaimanRead
As a teenager I wrote to R.A. Lafferty. And he responded, too, with letters that were like R.A. Lafferty short stories, filled with elliptical answers to straight questions and simple answers to complicated ones.
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The important thing to understand about American history, wrote Mr. Ibis, in his leather-bound journal, is that it is fictional, a charcoal-sketched simplicity for the children, or the easily bored.
Neil GaimanRead
Nothing’s changed. You’ll go home. You’ll be bored. You’ll be ignored. No one will listen to you, really listen to you. You’re too clever and too quiet for them to understand. They don’t even get your name right.
Neil GaimanRead
I like the stars. It's the illusion of permanence, I think. I mean, they're always flaring up and caving in and going out. But from here, I can pretend...I can pretend that things last. I can pretend that lives last longer than moments. Gods come, and gods go. Mortals flicker and flash and fade. Worlds don't last; and stars and galaxies are transient, fleeting things that twinkle like fireflies and vanish into cold and dust. But I can pretend.
Neil GaimanRead
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