Quotes With Meaning
I never could read Foucault. I find philosophy tedious. All of my knowledge comes from reading novels and some history. I read Being and Nothingness and realized that I remembered absolutely nothing when I finished it. I used to go to the library every day and read every day for eight hours. I’d dropped out of high school and had to teach myself. I read Sartre without any background. I just forced myself and I learned nothing.
I never could read Foucault. I find philosophy tedious. All of my knowledge comes from reading novels and some history. I read Being and Nothingness and realized that I remembered absolutely nothing when I finished it. I used to go to the library every day and read every day for eight hours. I’d dropped out of high school and had to teach myself. I read Sartre without any background. I just forced myself and I learned nothing.
In this quote, Michael Gira shares his struggle with understanding complex philosophical texts, highlighting his preference for novels and history as sources of knowledge. He conveys a sense of frustration with traditional philosophy, noting that despite spending significant time reading works like Sartre's, he felt he gained little understanding. His experience reflects a broader theme about how individuals may connect with ideas differently, often finding more clarity and meaning in narratives rather than abstract theories. Gira emphasizes the value of self-directed learning and the importance of finding one's own path to knowledge. This perspective invites a discussion on the nature of education and personal growth, suggesting that freedom in one's learning choices can lead to deeper insights. Ultimately, the takeaway is that learning is a personal journey, and it's essential to find what resonates with you.