"There is no such thing as an empty house, it's just that some houses are full of things and others are full of ghosts."
This quote by Howard Jacobson suggests that every house, regardless of its physical contents, carries emotional weight in the form of memories, experiences, or feelings associated with past events and people. In this context, an "empty" house is not literally devoid of objects but rather one that lacks the presence and energy of its former inhabitants, filled instead with their ghostly imprints. Essentially, he's highlighting that homes are more than just structures; they hold stories, connections, and emotions, making them places where memories live on even after people move out or pass away.
"The world offers itself to your imagination, but imagination has to know how to take it."
This quote suggests that the world provides a myriad of experiences, stories, and possibilities; however, these potentialities remain inaccessible unless one possesses the ability to imaginatively interpret and engage with them. In essence, Jacobson underscores the importance of an active, creative mind in perceiving and making sense of the world around us.
"All great literature is based primarily on the fascination of the author with himself or herself, and in the end, it's impossible to escape the self."
This quote suggests that great literature arises from an author's deep introspection and exploration of their own identity. The self-reflection leads to a profound understanding of human nature, which is then expressed through the characters and themes in their work. Essentially, every writer, in creating great literature, is unable to avoid mirroring some aspect of themselves within their creations.
"It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends, but to befriend the one who regards us as the enemy is the test of our character."
This quote by Howard Jacobson underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion in defining one's character. It suggests that true kindness and humanity aren't confined to those we perceive as friends or allies but extend to those who may initially be seen as adversaries or enemies. By befriending such individuals and fostering a connection despite differences, we demonstrate our capacity for growth, forgiveness, and the ability to see beyond prejudice or conflict, thereby testing our character and promoting understanding and peace.
"The human race isn't going anywhere, it's just passing through. All history will look like a correctional facility on a busy day."
This quote by Howard Jacobson suggests that humanity is transient and temporary in the grand scheme of existence, much like prisoners moving through a bustling correctional facility. The "busy day" could symbolize the continuous passage of time, with each historical event representing an instance of humanity's brief sojourn. In essence, Jacobson implies that human history is largely characterized by struggle, error, and progress, as we learn from our mistakes and move on to the next stage of existence.
Politically it's easy to salve one's conscience, no matter that salving it rarely makes the problem go away. You join the Labour Party, write articles attacking the privileged, give the money you spend on opera tickets to homeless charities, and vow never to go to anything that can be considered elitist again.
- Howard Jacobson
I've never owned a T-shirt. I don't like vests or sweaters or cardies with zips. I like a proper shirt with a collar. There's nothing else that I think I look nice in. I don't think there's anything else that other men look nice in, to be honest. Things with words on! Can you imagine? On grown-ups! Words are to make books with.
- Howard Jacobson
There is a shop close to where I live, outside which, on certain nights of the month - I've no idea if the transit of the moon determines precisely when - fans of designer skateboards queue from early evening in order - well in order, I presume - to be among the first to jump on a skateboard when the shop opens in the morning.
- Howard Jacobson
Things go bad after a divorce and often stay that way. It is rare for the parties to return placidly to a time before they met. A bitterness lingers on. Those who call this our Independence Day, fantasising of returning to a never-never time before they married, when they were free, easy, single, and master of their fate, are delusional.
- Howard Jacobson
You cannot exercise and be amused about it. You cannot integrate the dying bug into your core workout and hold to the position that you are a spiritual being. In this way, the body and the mind are each other's opposite unto death, which is why you have to choose which of them you are going to follow.
- Howard Jacobson
Again and again, Primo Levi's work is described as indispensable, essential, necessary. None of those terms overstate the case, but they do prepare readers new to Levi for a forbiddingly educative experience, making him a writer unlike all others and the experience of reading him a chore. Which it isn't.
- Howard Jacobson
Although, from the point of view of sociology, the overt ambition of 'American Pastoral' - to imagine the impact on a good man of America's fall from the family decencies of the '30s and '40s to the self-centred violence of the '60s - outstrips anything Sabbath's Theater attempts, the writing is no less fervid an excurse into the writer's mind.
- Howard Jacobson
Words do not necessarily make us moral. And there have been presidents before who have stumbled over syntax and looked foolish when the words they have been forced to speak have been their own. But Trump is uniquely stunted. A child listening to two of his speeches could reproduce a third without the use of a dictionary.
- Howard Jacobson
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