"But stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or where we come from."
This quote emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity and history. By sharing our narratives, we ensure that memories and experiences are passed down through generations, enabling us to recall our origins and retain a sense of who we are as individuals and communities. If these stories are not told, they can fade away, leading to the loss of valuable cultural insights and connections to our past.
"The older you get, the more you realize that there isn't enough time at all."
This quote implies a deep understanding and appreciation for the finite nature of time as one grows older. Essentially, it suggests that as we age, we become increasingly aware of the limited amount of time available to us in our lives. This realization can inspire a sense of urgency, encouraging individuals to make the most of their time by pursuing meaningful experiences and relationships rather than wasting it on unimportant or trivial matters.
"I believe that words carry power - power to inspire, to ignite change, to bring beauty to places of ugliness and to light a fire under people's butts."
This quote emphasizes the transformative power of language. Jason Reynolds suggests that words are not merely sounds or symbols; they hold immense potential to stir emotions, instigate change, bring aesthetics into unpleasant situations, and motivate individuals to action. In essence, he underscores the importance of using words wisely, as their impact can be significant and far-reaching.
"The thing about ghosts is they don't want to be remembered as ghosts. They just want to be remembered."
This quote suggests that ghosts, symbolically or metaphorically speaking, desire recognition for who they were in life rather than being reduced to the state of being a spirit haunting the living. They yearn for their essence, their actions, their deeds, and their impact on others to be remembered, not just their spectral existence.
"It's okay not to be perfect, just do your best, that’s all you can ask of yourself."
This quote by Jason Reynolds emphasizes self-compassion and realistic expectations. It suggests that striving for perfection may not always be achievable or beneficial, but giving one's best is an attainable goal. In other words, it encourages individuals to focus on their efforts rather than unattainable standards of excellence. This mindset allows people to take responsibility for their actions while avoiding self-criticism and fostering personal growth.
I try to be an active griever. I feel like we lean on time because of the trope 'Time heals all wounds.' And there is truth to that, but I don't think that it's absolute. I think that to grieve and to deal and cope, you have to be actively processing the information. Have your moments, be broken, and allow yourself to fully express pain.
- Jason Reynolds
It wasn't that the teachers were bad. From what I can remember, they were pretty good. It was about the selection of books. It was about not seeing my young life reflected back to me: my family dynamics, the noise and complexities of my neighborhood, the things I loved, like ice cream trucks and Kool-Aid.
- Jason Reynolds
My relationship to comics isn't nearly as strong as some people's. Ha! I mean, I grew up with a comic book fanatic. My older brother was, and still is, obsessed. And I was obsessed with the fact that he was obsessed, because I was obsessed with him. But not necessarily with comics themselves.
- Jason Reynolds
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