Liking Quote by Haruki Murakami
““I don't think most people would like my personality. There might be a few--very few, I would imagine--who are impressed by it, but only rarely would anyone like it. Who in the world could possibly have warm feelings, or something like them, for a person who doesn't compromise, who instead, whenever a problem crops up, locks himself away alone in a closet? But is it ever possible for a professional writer to be liked by people? I have no idea. Maybe somewhere in the world it is. It's hard to generalize. For me, at least, I've written novels over many years, I just can't picture someone liking me on a personal level. Being disliked by someone, hated and despised, somehow seems more natural. Not that I'm relieved when that happens. Even I'm not happy when someone dislikes me.””
About This Quote
The author doubts personal likability despite professional success, feeling isolation and discomfort with being disliked.
In simple terms: Writers may feel unloved despite acclaim.
Key Takeaway
Accept that not everyone will like you.
Themes
self‑doubt
loneliness
creativity
acceptance
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
introspective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing career
- social interactions
- mental health
Key Concepts
personal identity
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does isolation affect creativity?
- Can you find value beyond external approval?
A Different Perspective
May generalize personal feelings to all writers.
