Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Hanif Kureishi

Quote by Hanif Kureishi

Work

The Last Word

The Last Word is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of language and its impact on human identity and existence. The story follows a protagonist who grapples with profound questions about the nature of words and their power to shape reality. more

Author

Hanif Kureishi
Hanif Kureishi

Hanif Kureishi is a distinguished British playwright, screenwriter, and author, born on December 5, 1954. He has made substantial contributions to literature and theater with his distinctive voice and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Kureishi's work often delves into themes of multiculturalism, identity, and social class, reflecting his own experiences growing up in a diverse community. more

You May Also Like

“Was it worth while, he thought, to be so wise, if wisdom made one at times so sad? Was it well to sacrifice Faith for Fact, when Faith was so warm and Fact so cold? Was it better to be a dreamer of things possible, or a worker-out of things positive? And how much was positive, after all, and how much possible? He balanced the question lightly with himself. It was like a discord in the music of his mind, and disturbed his peace.”

“May the ears of Canada never grow deaf to the plea of widows and orphans and our crippled men for care and support. May the eyes of Canada never be blind to that glorious light which shines upon our young national life from the deeds of those "who counted not their lives dear unto themselves," and may the lips of Canada never be dumb to tell to future generations the tales of heroism which will kindle the imagination and fire the patriotism of children that are yet unborn.”

“When we sacrifice our own well-being in the hopes that our sacrifice will help someone else, we just get two people who are living sub-optimal lives. Here's the truth: Getting sick does not help those who are suffering of illness. Being sad does nothing to pull someone out of their own depression. And being hungry doesn't feed the starving. The universe simply doesn't work that way.”

“Mi sentido del comercio consiste en saber que la satisfacción que me das la pago con la que te doy a ti. No acepto sacrificios y si me pidieras más de lo que significas para mí, me negaría; por ejemplo, si me pidieras que dejara el tren, te abandonaría. Si el placer de uno ha de ser comprado con el dolor del otro, mejor es que no haya intercambio, pues una operación comercial en la que uno gana y otro pierde es un fraude. En los negocios no se actúa así, Hank. No lo hagas en tu vida.”