Art Quote by Christopher Isherwood
“To live sanely in Los Angeles ... you have to cultivate the art of staying awake. You must learn to resist (firmly but not tensely) the unceasing hypnotic suggestions of the radio, the billboards, the movies and the newspapers; those demon voices which are forever whispering in your ear what you should desire, what you should fear, what you should wear and eat and drink and enjoy, what you should think and do and be.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: City of Night, 1939
Living wisely in Los Angeles requires constant alertness to resist pervasive media influences that dictate desires, fears, and habits.
In simple terms: Stay awake to media’s subtle control.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate critical awareness of media messages.
Themes
media influence
urban life
mindfulness
consumerism
autonomy
Mood
cautious
detached
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- Daily news consumption
- advertising
- social media
- political messaging
Key Concepts
Psychology of persuasion
cultural critique
self‑care
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits help you stay critically aware?
- How do you balance vigilance with enjoyment?
A Different Perspective
Resistance can be exhausting and may lead to isolation.
