In high school I read [Lev] Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" and…
![“In high school I read [Lev] Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" and loved it. Then I read [Friedrich] Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morals" and that hit me hard. I don't know where I got it. My parents warned me not to mention either of those books when I went for my college interviews so I wouldn't seem…” quote by Stephen Greenblatt](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/d5f/stephen-greenblatt-10786_anna_in-high-school-i-read-lev-tolstoy-s-anna_2323091.jpg)
“In high school I read [Lev] Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" and loved it. Then I read [Friedrich] Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morals" and that hit me hard. I don't know where I got it. My parents warned me not to mention either of those books when I went for my college interviews so I wouldn't seem like an egghead. They told me to talk about sports.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Exposure to classic literature shaped worldview, but social expectations limited discussion of intellectual interests.
In simple terms: Books influence identity, yet peers may discourage sharing.
Key Takeaway
Embrace intellectual passions despite social pressure.
Themes
education
identity
social conformity
intellectual curiosity
Mood
reflective
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
personal
motivational
advice
When to use this quote
- college interviews
- family expectations
Key Concepts
literary influence
career advice
self‑expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What value do you place on literary insight in professional settings?
- How can you authentically present your interests?
A Different Perspective
May overlook other factors like career goals.