Another day Quote by J. M. Coetzee
“As for September 11, let us not too easily grant the Americans possession of that date on the calendar. Like May 1 or July 14 or December 25, September 11 may seem full of significance to some people, while to other people it is just another day.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Memory and Dates, 2005
Dates gain significance through collective memory; some see September 11 as symbolic, others view it as ordinary, like any other day.
In simple terms: Dates matter because of shared meaning; some are special, some are not.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that meaning is assigned, not inherent.
Themes
history
memory
subjectivity
Mood
thoughtful
neutral
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- commemoration
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Collective memory
symbolism
cultural significance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some dates become symbolic while others do not?
- How does personal experience shape date significance?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone assigns the same weight to dates, which can cause conflict.
