My writing is often a way of 'bearing witness' for others who lack the education and the opportunity to tell their own stories, so I hope that my writing won't be affected too much by my personal life.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
We read to find out what the world is like, to experience lots of lives, not just the one we live. If it is true that our lives are chaotic and we crave a shape, stories are the shapes that we put on experience, containing all the wisdom in the world. We can even choose what kind of wisdom suits us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reading allows us to explore different perspectives and experiences beyond our own lives.
This quote emphasizes the importance of reading as a means to gain insight into various human experiences and the world at large. It suggests that stories are not just entertainment; they provide structure and wisdom to our chaotic lives, allowing us to select the lessons that resonate with us personally.
Themes
ReadingStoriesWisdomExperienceLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a book club discussion when exploring character motivations.
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