Academic Quote by Oliver Harris
“I tell this anecdote with tongue in cheek at the start of my book William Burroughs and the Secret of Fascination, but my academic involvement with Burroughs was entirely due to my tutor at Oxford, Peter Conrad. I was discussing with him the idea of staying on to do graduate work and when I tossed the name of Burroughs into the conversation - well, he let it fall loudly onto the floor, and proceeded to cross himself as if warding off an evil spirit. Since I was very ambivalent about an academic career in any case, that decided it for me.”
About This Quote
Source Book: William Burroughs and the Secret of Fascination, 2021
A professor’s superstitious reaction to a controversial author’s name swayed the narrator’s career choice.
In simple terms: A strange reaction can influence major life decisions.
Key Takeaway
Question authority’s hidden biases.
Themes
career
superstition
influence
literature
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
career
inspirational
When to use this quote
- choosing a career
- mentor influence
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
psychology
decision making
academic culture
Questions to Reflect On
- What role do mentors play in career paths?
- Do we overinterpret signs?
A Different Perspective
Superstitions may not be rational guides.
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