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Everybody talked about Freud when I lived in New Orleans…

“Everybody talked about Freud when I lived in New Orleans, but I have never read him. Neither did Shakespeare. I doubt if Melville did either, and I'm sure Moby Dick didn't. (William Faulkner)” quote by William Faulkner
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““Everybody talked about Freud when I lived in New Orleans, but I have never read him. Neither did Shakespeare. I doubt if Melville did either, and I'm sure Moby Dick didn't. (William Faulkner)””

William Faulkner

About This Quote

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

He admits never reading Freud or Shakespeare, questioning the necessity of canonical knowledge for personal insight.

In simple terms: Questioning need for classic reading.

Key Takeaway

Read what resonates personally.

Themes

literature skepticism personal growth

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reading choices
  • literary education
  • cultural literacy

Key Concepts

canon self-directed learning literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What value do classic works hold for you?
  • How does personal reading shape your worldview?
A Different Perspective

May undervalue foundational ideas.

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