I have always been accused of taking the things I love –…
“I have always been accused of taking the things I love – football, of course, but also books and records – much too seriously, and I do feel a kind of anger when I hear a bad record, or when someone is lukewarm about a book that means a lot to me. Perhaps it was these desperate, bitter men in the West Stand at Arsenal who taught me how to get angry in this way; and perhaps it is why I earn some of my living as a critic – maybe it’s those voices I can hear when I write. ‘You’re a WANKER, X.’ ‘The Booker Prize? THE BOOKER PRIZE? They should give that to me for having to read you.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He confesses intense passion for cultural works, noting anger when they’re undervalued, and how criticism channels that emotion.
In simple terms: Passion for art can fuel critical anger.
Key Takeaway
Channel strong feelings into thoughtful critique.
Themes
literature
music
criticism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
cultural
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- music journalism
- creative writing
Key Concepts
emotional intensity
cultural value
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anger improve or hinder criticism?
- What responsibilities do critics have?
A Different Perspective
May glorify negative emotions.