Austen Quote by Anna Quindlen
“How is it that, a full two centuries after Jane Austen finished her manuscript, we come to the world of Pride and Prejudice and find ourselves transcending customs, strictures, time, mores, to arrive at a place that educates, amuses, and enthralls us? It is a miracle. We read in bed because reading is halfway between life and dreaming, our own consciousness in someone else's mind.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, 1813
Literature end centuries can still captivate, offering amusement, education, and emotional escape beyond social constraints.
In simple terms: Classic stories still entertain and teach.
Key Takeaway
Embrace timeless narratives.
Themes
literature
culture
timelessness
Mood
thoughtful
nostalgic
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading for pleasure
- academic study
- social discussion
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
social critique
empathy
imagination
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a classic novel speak to today's values?
- What does reading reveal about your own mind?
A Different Perspective
Modern readers may miss historical context, leading to misinterpretation.
![“The art and passion of reading well and deeply is waning, but [Jane] Austen still inspires people to become fanatical readers.” quote by Harold Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/615/harold-bloom-3350_art_the-art-and-passion-of-reading-well-and_348845.jpg)
![“[Jane] Austen was not a novelist for nothing: she knew that our stories are what make us human, and that listening to someone else's stories -- entering into their feelings, validating their experiences -- is the highest way of acknowledging their humanity, the sweetest form of usefulness.” quote by William Deresiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/william-deresiewicz-15471_jane-austen_jane-austen-was-not-a-novelist-for-nothi_62623.jpg)
