The other day I stumbled upon today's quote which is from G.K. Chesterton. Doesn't he look like a hoot?Why have I not heard of this guy before? He was a contemporary of Oscar Wilde and close friend of George Bernard Shaw. He had wit.
Here's just a brief quote from Wikipedia: "Chesterton wrote around 80 books, several hundred poems, some 200 short stories, 4000 essays and several plays. He was a literary and social critic, historian, playwright, novelist, Catholic theologian and apologist, debater, and mystery writer. He was a columnist for the Daily News, the Illustrated London News, and his own paper, G. K.'s Weekly; he also wrote articles for the Encyclopædia Britannica, including the entry on Charles Dickens and part of the entry on Humour in the 14th edition (1929). "
Check out these quotes, they're great! (Must go find some of his books.)
So here's the quote that really popped my cork. I had a mini-epiphany, a small extremely bright light came on and is calling me out of the fog.
A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.
I've read/heard a lot about truth in writing and/or writing the truth. I thought I knew what they were talking about, nodded my head sagely in agreement. But I didn't know that I didn't know what people were talking about. It's different now. Not only do I realize I didn't understand what people were talking about, I understand what writing the truth is supposed to be. This quote states the matter so simply, so clearly, I would have to be a total and complete ignoramus not to get it.
Have you had an epiphany lately? Has something someone said, or a quote, (or book or movie) caused a spark of understanding to blaze in the darkness leading you to the truth? Do please share. Inquiring minds and hearts want to know.
OMG, I misread your first line. I thought you said 'doesn't he look hot' (which, for the record, I thought was out of character for you!)
ReplyDeleteNow that I've recovered from self-induced giggles, I'm not familiar with this guy and he was so prolific!
Fantastic quote!
ReplyDeleteExcellent quote. So true.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quote. I think it was Neil Gaiman who first brought Chesterton to my attention with this quote: "Fairy tales don't tell children dragons exist, children already know dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children dragons can be killed."
ReplyDeleteAs for epiphanies. I wouldn't call it that, but I did have a fabulous eye-opener when reading a writing workbook yesterday. Jump started me again. I'm going to blog about it later, I think.
I had no idea Chesterton wrote for Encyclopedia Brittanica. I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteTo me, his quote says a bad novel never lets the reader sink into the story, care deeply about the hero, and forget all about the writer. And that we're painfully aware the writer failed at this.
Wow! Awesome stuff!!
ReplyDeleteEr... nothing I can think of, sadly!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this bloke, either.
I never heard of this guy either until I started reading some apologetics and Wow! did his quotes started popping up ... he's witty. I didn't know he was so prolific!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm reading Fulton Sheen and he speaks clearly and plainly. He's also eminently quotable. One that pops out right away is: "The subject is birth control but the words are a misnomer because those who practice it don't believe in birth or in control." Talk about epiphany ...
It's a funny quote but in a somewhat scary way. It makes me ask, what do my books say about me?
ReplyDelete"A change of opinions is almost unknown in an elderly military man." That IS my step dad - I'm sending this to my mom right after I finish here.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of him, and I'm not sure why. Maybe he was overshadowed by his famous friends?
"They say birth control; what they mean is no birth, and no control."- G.K. Chesterton
ReplyDeleteWell, isn't that funny? Fulton Sheen borrowed it from Chesterton! Tee-hee ...
Yes, I have found some words that have moved me. I am posting on them on Friday. Great post. I think I love this guy! :)
ReplyDeleteHe definitely is a personality, isn't he? I can almost hear him quipping and holding forth on life and writing.
ReplyDeleteNo epiphanies this week, but a few over the past month have found their way to into my brain. They all boil down to accepting and appreciating what I have in my life.
That is an awesome quote. And you're right. He does look like a hoot! :0) His smile is catchy.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah! Such a great quote. He looks like my uncle. ;)
ReplyDeleteNo epiphany here. I'm just thankful for all the little things in life. An afternoon spent with my family. A ride on one of my horses through the snow. Stuff like that.