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Reynolds Price Quotes

Powerful Reynolds Price for Daily Growth

About Reynolds Price

Reynolds Price (July 16, 1933 – October 10, 2011) was an acclaimed American novelist, poet, screenwriter, and university professor, whose prolific body of work spanned over five decades. Born in Macon, North Carolina, Price attended Duke University as an undergraduate before pursuing his graduate studies at Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. He returned to Duke as a professor of English Literature in 1964 and remained there until his retirement in 2003. Price's writing career began in the early 1960s, with the publication of his first novel, "Harpwatch," followed by "A Long and Hideous Pain" and "Everybody's Poem." However, it was his fourth novel, "The Fisherman's Troupe," that brought him significant critical acclaim. This book, along with "Kate Vaiden" and the trilogy consisting of "A Whole New Life," "A Long Time Until Now," and "The Breath of the Worm," are considered his most significant works. Price's writing often delved into themes of spirituality, identity, illness, and redemption, reflecting his own experiences with health challenges. He was diagnosed with polio at age 16, which left him with a permanent limp and wheelchair-bound for much of his life. This experience significantly influenced his work, particularly in novels like "Kate Vaiden" and "A Long and Hideous Pain," where the protagonists deal with physical and emotional trauma. In addition to his novels, Price wrote poetry, essays, plays, and screenplays. He received numerous awards for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Book Critics Circle Award. Reynolds Price's unique blend of Southern sensibility, spiritual introspection, and literary mastery continues to resonate with readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Laughter is the surprise of our nature."

Reynolds Price suggests that laughter arises from unexpected, joyous moments in life – instances where we find something amusing or delightful that we were not anticipating. Essentially, it's an expression of discovery, delight, and connection, reminding us of the unpredictable, uplifting elements that enrich our human experience.

"Time, like life itself, has no boundaries."

This quote by Reynolds Price suggests that time, much like life, is infinite, boundless, and without limitations. It implies that both are continuous and ongoing, encompassing all possibilities. The idea is that we should strive to make the most of every moment because there is no end to either time or life's experiences. The quote encourages us to live fully, as our journey through time is our own unique story without set boundaries or restrictions.

"Reading is a form of prayer."

This quote by Reynolds Price suggests that reading, like prayer, is a deeply personal and meaningful activity. Just as prayer connects us to something greater than ourselves, reading allows us to immerse ourselves in ideas, stories, and perspectives beyond our immediate experience. It's a way of seeking wisdom, understanding, and spiritual growth, broadening our horizons and fostering empathy for others. In essence, Price sees reading as a form of communion with the world, enriching our lives and nurturing our souls.

"Forgiveness is the foundation of love."

Reynolds Price's quote, "Forgiveness is the foundation of love," signifies that a strong foundation for any loving relationship must be built upon the ability to forgive. This doesn't necessarily mean forgetting or condoning harmful actions, but rather choosing understanding, compassion, and empathy over anger, resentment, and bitterness. Forgiveness fosters healing, growth, and strengthens bonds between individuals, making love a more enduring and fulfilling experience.

"We can choose to be healed, or we can choose to remain shattered."

This quote by Reynolds Price highlights the power of choice in our lives, particularly when it comes to healing from emotional or physical pain. It suggests that while suffering is often inevitable, how we respond to it is within our control. We have the option to allow ourselves to be 'shattered' by the pain, remaining stuck and unable to move forward, or we can actively choose 'healing,' which implies taking steps towards recovery, growth, and resilience. The choice lies with us, emphasizing that even in challenging circumstances, there is always a path to healing if we choose to take it.

I think we Southerners have talked a fair amount of malarkey about the mystique of being Southern.

- Reynolds Price

Think, Southern, Amount, Fair Amount

Even now, after whatever gains feminism has made in involving fathers in the rearing of their children, I still think virtually all of us spend the most formative years of our lives very much in the presence of women.

- Reynolds Price

Very, Fathers, Gains, Presence

From the age of six I wanted to be an artist. At that point I meant a painter, but it turned out what I really meant was I was someone who was very interested in watching the world and making copies of it.

- Reynolds Price

Making, Very, Meant, Copies

The older I've got the less I find myself going back and re-reading or really reading new fiction or poetry.

- Reynolds Price

New, Fiction, Going, Re-Reading

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