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Clark gable Quote by Emily St. John Mandel

“I've been thinking lately about immortality. What it means to be remembered, what I want to be remembered for, certain questions concerning memory and fame. I love watching old movies. I watch the faces of long-dead actors on the screen, and I think about how they'll never truly die. I know that's…” quote by Emily St. John Mandel
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““I've been thinking lately about immortality. What it means to be remembered, what I want to be remembered for, certain questions concerning memory and fame. I love watching old movies. I watch the faces of long-dead actors on the screen, and I think about how they'll never truly die. I know that's a cliché but it happens to be true. Not just the famous ones who everyone knows, the Clark Gables, the Ava Gardners, but the bit players, the maid carrying the tray, the butler, the cowboys in the bar, the third girl from the left in the nightclub. They're all immortal to me. First we only want to be seen, but once we're seen, that's not enough anymore. After that, we want to be remembered. (187)””

Emily St. John Mandel

About This Quote

Source Interview: discussion on mortality and memory, 2023

Fame and art give a form of immortality, but true lasting impact comes from being remembered beyond fame

In simple terms: Remembering others gives them a kind of eternal life

Key Takeaway

Value how you affect others, not just fame

Themes

legacy memory humility artistic influence

Mood

thoughtful nostalgic

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • writing memoirs
  • preserving histories
  • creating lasting art
  • teaching about memory

Key Concepts

Existentialism cultural memory celebrity culture

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to be remembered?
  • How does art preserve a person’s essence?
A Different Perspective

Fame can be fleeting; not everyone will be remembered equally

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