Book Quote by Leonid Andreyev
““I want to be the apostle of self destruction. I want my book to affect man’s reason, his emotions, his nerves, his whole animal nature. I should like my book to make people turn pale with horror as they read it, to affect them like a drug, like a terrifying dream, to drive them mad, to make them curse and hate me but still to read me and…to kill themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Red Laugh by Leonid Andreyev, 1905
The author desires his work to shock readers profoundly, affecting mind, body, and emotions, even to the point of madness, while still compelling them to read.
In simple terms: He wants his book to horrify and captivate readers, driving them to extreme reactions.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the power of unsettling art.
Themes
psychology
literature
extremes
human nature
artistic impact
Mood
dark
intense
provocative
Type
literary
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- writing a provocative novel
- creating horror cinema
- designing intense theater
- marketing controversial art
Key Concepts
existential dread
psychological manipulation
emotional intensity
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical line does an artist cross when seeking to shock?
- Can terror be a constructive force in art?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme provocation may alienate audiences and cause harm, limiting its reach.
