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It was easy to get a job at the Cedar Bar because people…

“It was easy to get a job at the Cedar Bar because people came and went, but I didn't like the atmosphere. Instead, I got a job at Cooper Union Library. I stayed at Cooper Union for seven years; it was my salvation. While I worked there, I also read books of every kind.” quote by Claes Oldenburg
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“It was easy to get a job at the Cedar Bar because people came and went, but I didn't like the atmosphere. Instead, I got a job at Cooper Union Library. I stayed at Cooper Union for seven years; it was my salvation. While I worked there, I also read books of every kind.”

Claes Oldenburg

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author left a transient job for a stable library position, which became a source of personal salvation and intellectual growth through reading.

In simple terms: Library work saved him.

Key Takeaway

Pursue environments that nurture learning.

Themes

career change personal growth literature

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • library work
  • reading habit
  • career transition

Key Concepts

self‑actualization intellectual curiosity stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What environment best fuels your creativity?
  • How does routine support or hinder growth?
A Different Perspective

Stability may limit creative risk‑taking.

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