Accused Quote by Nick Hornby
“I have always been accused of taking the things I love – football, of course, but also books and records – much too seriously, and I do feel a kind of anger when I hear a bad record, or when someone is lukewarm about a book that means a lot to me. Perhaps it was these desperate, bitter men in the West Stand at Arsenal who taught me how to get angry in this way; and perhaps it is why I earn some of my living as a critic – maybe it’s those voices I can hear when I write. ‘You’re a WANKER, X.’ ‘The Booker Prize? THE BOOKER PRIZE? They should give that to me for having to read you.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Polysyllabic Spree”, 2005
He confesses intense passion for cultural works, noting anger when they’re undervalued, and how criticism channels that emotion.
In simple terms: Passion for art can fuel critical anger.
Key Takeaway
Channel strong feelings into thoughtful critique.
Themes
literature
music
criticism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
cultural
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- music journalism
- creative writing
Key Concepts
emotional intensity
cultural value
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anger improve or hinder criticism?
- What responsibilities do critics have?
A Different Perspective
May glorify negative emotions.
