My reaction to porno films is as follows: After the first ten minutes, I want to go home and screw. After the first twenty minutes, I never want to screw again as long as I live.
Erica JongRead
Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Talent is common, but true courage to pursue it is rare.
This quote by Erica Jong highlights the distinction between having talent, which is prevalent among people, and the rarity of having the courage to pursue that talent, especially when it leads to uncertain or difficult paths. It suggests that while many possess innate abilities, few take the necessary risks to explore and develop those talents fully, particularly when faced with challenges or fears of failure.
Themes
TalentCouragePursuitRiskGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, to inspire students to pursue their passions despite challenges.
More from Erica Jong
All quotes βI have accepted fear as a part of life - specifically the fear of change... I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.
Erica JongRead
No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool. Writers, alas, have to be fools in public, while the rest of the human race can cover its tracks.
Erica JongRead
My generation was not only maligned in book reviews and attacked in graduate school but we lived to see our adored and adorable daughters wonder why feminism had become a dirty word.
Erica JongRead
Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.
Erica JongRead
I believe that women should live for love, for motherhood and for intellect, and I believe we shouldn't have to choose. And I believe that's always been difficult for women, to express themselves intellectually, maternally, and passionately.
Erica JongRead
Similar quotes
In the land of bleating sheep and braying jackasses, one brave and honest man is bound to create a scandal.
Edward AbbeyRead
Don't do what you want. Do what you don't want. Do what you're trained not to want. Do the things that scare you the most.
Chuck PalahniukRead
Joe Frazier got hit more than me - and he doesn't have Parkinson's.
Muhammad AliRead
The only courage you will need is the courage to live the life you are meant to.
Oprah WinfreyRead
The hens they all cackle, the roosters all beg,_x000D_ _x000D_ But I will not hatch, I will not hatch. _x000D_ _x000D_ For I hear all the talk of pollution and war _x000D_ _x000D_ As the people all shout and the airplane roar, _x000D_ _x000D_ So I'm staying in here where it's safe and it's warm, _x000D_ _x000D_ And I WILL NOT HATCH!
Shel SilversteinRead
I would rather do what I did than crawl in front of a ritualistic Left and lie the way those other comrades did betray my own soul.
Elia KazanRead