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Quote by Iris Chang

“I may attempt a novel. I think that no matter what you write, it requires being honest with oneself, and you have to pull yourself out of the whirlwind of daily life.”

Quote by Iris Chang

Author

Iris Chang was a renowned Chinese American historian recognized for her works on the Chinese diaspora and the history of the Chinese in the United States. She achieved acclaim for her book 'The Rape of Nanking', which meticulously documented the events of the Nanking Massacre during World War II. Born on March 28, 1968, in Champaign, Illinois, she passed away tragically on November 9, 2004. more

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“After working as a journalist I went to a writing program at Johns Hopkins. It was interesting because it was neither journalistic nor historical, but it emphasized writing style, and afterwards I was asked to write my first book.”

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Author:Iris Chang

“For some reason, I seem to be bothered whenever I see acts of injustice and assaults on people's civil liberties. I imagine what I write in the future will follow in that vein. Whether it's fiction or non-fiction.”

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“It is very difficult to hang onto the relics of history.”

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“It's much more difficult to work on a broad subject than on a specific one, because even if it's hard to find the information, if you look hard enough for something specific you will find it, and you will discover things that you wouldn't have thought of before.”

Ifs Looks Hard Enough Difficult Subjects Information Broads

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“Please believe in THE POWER OF ONE. One person can make an enormous difference in the world. One person - actually, one idea - can start a war, or end one, or subvert an entire power structure. One discovery can cure a disease or spawn new technology to benefit or annihilate the human race. You as ONE individual can change millions of lives. Think big. Do not limit your vision and do not ever compromise your dreams or ideals.”

“There isn't much discussion of ruling class in America even in Boston, probably one of the most class-conscious cities in the country?”

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“Your first duty as a writer is to write to please yourself. And you have no duty towards anyone else.”

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“I have no axe to grind; only my thoughts to burnish.”

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“Happiness is impossible, and even inconceivable, to a mind without scope and without pause, a mind driven by craving, pleasure, or fear. To be happy, you must be reasonable, or you must be tamed. You must have taken the measure of your powers, tasted the fruits of your passion, and learned your place in the world and what things in it can really serve you. To be happy, you must be wise.”

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“There is wisdom in turning as often as possible from the familiar to the unfamiliar: it keeps the mind nimble, it kills prejudice, and it fosters humor.”

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