“All you can do is involve yourself totally in your own life, your own moment, Lonzi said. And when we feel pessimism crouching on our shoulders like a stinking vulture, he said, we banish it, we smother it with optimism. We want, and our want kills doom.”
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Rachel Kushner (b. 1968) is an acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and short story writer. Her notable works include Telex from Cuba, The Flamethrowers, and The Mars Room. Known for her historical depth, complex narratives, and sharp cultural critique, Kushner explores American history, politics, and identity through richly layered prose. Her novel The Mars Room was a finalist for the 2018 Booker Prize and Pulitzer Prize. more
“I would love to continue to be someone that is positive but also be someone that is objective,”
“There are no tragedies in life, only violent coup d’etats on the state of irrational optimism”
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain.”
“Dear Optimism, nice to see you. I've got an extra room, how about you stay for a while.”
“I didn't fail the test. I just found 100 different ways to do it wrong.”