Clark Blaise Quotes

Powerful Clark Blaise for Daily Growth

About Clark Blaise

Clark Blaise (born May 18, 1940) is a celebrated Canadian-American author known for his distinctive short stories and novels that blend elements of realism, surrealism, and magic realism. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Blaise moved to the United States at a young age due to his father's work, spending most of his formative years in New Jersey. His literary career began in the 1960s with the publication of his short stories in various magazines and anthologies. In 1970, he co-founded the influential literary journal, 'The Fiddlehead', where he served as editor for several years. His first collection of short stories, 'Each Other' (1975), was published to critical acclaim and marked his debut as a significant voice in Canadian literature. In 1980, Blaise moved to Montreal, Quebec, where he continued to write, teach, and edit. His subsequent works include the novels 'The Meagre Tribute' (1987), 'Lunar Attractions' (1992), and 'Mercy Among the Children' (1999), as well as several collections of short stories such as 'A Box of Matches' (1978) and 'The Last Happy Day' (1994). Blaise's writing is characterized by its exploration of themes like identity, memory, love, and loss. His unique narrative style often blurs the line between reality and fantasy, creating a richly textured world that resonates with readers. His works have been translated into multiple languages and have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction in 1987. Today, Clark Blaise continues to write and teach, his impact on contemporary literature enduring as a testament to his innovative storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We travel in order to discover that places do not change us; we change them."

This quote emphasizes that our experiences, perspectives, and personal growth are not solely dependent on the physical locations we visit, but rather how we choose to engage with those places. Essentially, it suggests that we as individuals have a significant impact on the world around us, and our travels serve as opportunities to bring about change within ourselves and the places we encounter. In other words, traveling is not just about seeing different landscapes or cultures, but also about transforming ourselves and contributing to the transformation of the places we visit.


"Life is short and time is long; the more we remember this the happier we will be."

This quote emphasizes the transient nature of life, suggesting that it's short-lived compared to the vast expanse of time. The message encourages us to appreciate life's fleeting moments, recognizing our limited time on Earth. By keeping this perspective in mind, we are more likely to find happiness and contentment since we will prioritize experiences over material possessions or unimportant distractions. Essentially, the quote encourages us to seize the day and make the most of our precious time on this planet.


"The act of traveling involves a certain amount of letting go: letting go of safety, security, routines, and habits, and in doing so we gain a kind of freedom that allows us to see ourselves and others with new eyes."

This quote by Clark Blaise suggests that the act of traveling encourages a release from familiar comforts, allowing individuals to experience a newfound freedom and perspective. By letting go of safety nets like routines and habits, travelers can gain fresh insights about themselves and others, fostering empathy and understanding in diverse environments.


"Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer."

The quote by Clark Blaise emphasizes that travel broadens one's horizons, enriches personal experiences, and increases cultural understanding, making individuals richer in knowledge, perspective, and wisdom. In essence, the financial cost of travel results not just in material wealth, but in an intangible, enduring enrichment of the soul.


"We have only to open our minds and hearts to life's revelations, for they come to us constantly, often in the most ordinary of moments."

This quote emphasizes the idea that meaningful insights or "revelations" about life can be found in everyday moments. It suggests that we should maintain an open and receptive mindset to fully appreciate these moments and the lessons they offer. By being more attentive and perceptive, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and curiosity in our daily lives, as these ordinary moments can lead to profound personal growth and wisdom.


A lot of the Indians who came to North America in the '70s, and who made very successful adjustments, always had an idea of the India that they had left, not realizing that the India that they had left has changed more profoundly than the America they came to.

- Clark Blaise

Always, Very, North America, Realizing

Peggy Atwood, Alice Munro, Hugh Hood, Michael Ondaatje - these are all old friends from my early 20s.

- Clark Blaise

Old, Early 20s, Alice, Early

Indian standards of artistry, and Indian standards of humanity, and Indian standards of love, and of family, devotion, commitment, stand for me as the standard for how one should behave.

- Clark Blaise

Love, Standard, Artistry, Indian

India is decidedly not anything that was part of my upbringing or part of my experience or part of my preparation. I really fell into it the way one should fall into it, you know - through love.

- Clark Blaise

Love, Through, Part, Decidedly

It seems to me psychologically I'm a Canadian.

- Clark Blaise

Me, Canadian, Seems, Psychologically

India has in fact raced ahead, in ways that are more dazzling and more confusing than America is.

- Clark Blaise

Fact, Ahead, Ways, Dazzling

Relative to most people I know, I am comfortable just about anywhere. I went to 20 schools before the 8th grade because my father couldn't hold a job. We moved every six months. I had to adjust.

- Clark Blaise

Father, Before, Moved, Adjust

Writing is what we do. What else could I want in a life partner than someone who knows and shares what I do?

- Clark Blaise

Partner, Someone, Else, Shares

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