Bits Quote by Joseph Brodsky
“When Thomas Mann arrived in California from Germany, they asked him about German literature. And he said, 'German literature is where I am.' It's really a bit grand, but if a German can afford it, I can afford it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 interview with Thomas Mann, California
Mann asserts his identity is inseparable from German literature, regardless of location.
In simple terms: Identity tied to culture, not place.
Embrace your cultural roots wherever you are.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- immigration
- academic discussion
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does place shape your sense of self?
- Can you separate art from artist?
Cultural identity can be fluid, not fixed.