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I hate the word mentor, the professionalization of…

“I hate the word mentor, the professionalization of friendships between generations. I just feel like the fact of friendship is the thing we all adored, like the younger befriends or reaches out to their hero, and for me, whenever you meet some younger person, who has a fire in their gut, a way of…” quote by Eileen Myles
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“I hate the word mentor, the professionalization of friendships between generations. I just feel like the fact of friendship is the thing we all adored, like the younger befriends or reaches out to their hero, and for me, whenever you meet some younger person, who has a fire in their gut, a way of being in the world, it excites you.”

Eileen Myles

About This Quote

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

She dislikes the term “mentor” because it formalizes friendships, preferring organic, inspiring connections across generations.

In simple terms: Mentor term feels too formal for true friendship.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate genuine, informal mentorships.

Themes

friendship generation gap inspiration

Mood

thoughtful hopeful

Type

personal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative collaborations
  • community events
  • career guidance

Key Concepts

authenticity role models

Questions to Reflect On

  • What value does a formal mentor bring?
  • How can you balance authenticity with guidance?
A Different Perspective

Formal mentorship can still provide structure and resources.

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