Appreciate Quote by Ottessa Moshfegh
“I live in East Hollywood which is sort of the end of the grit, butting up against Silverlake and Los Feliz which are the refined gentrified hipster zones, which I tend to appreciate when I need to get coffee, but I like living in the grit. I like feeling separate from that elitist civilization in some way, even though I don't really "belong" in the grit either. But I do spend more than half my time now in the desert which is really nice - to be off the grid, remembering that the world is bigger than the city streets.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, 2023
The writer prefers gritty, authentic neighborhoods over polished, gentrified ones, yet also values desert solitude.
In simple terms: Choosing authenticity over conformity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace spaces that feel true to you.
Themes
authenticity
urban vs rural
belonging
Mood
contemplative
conflicted
Type
personal
reflective
When to use this quote
- urban exploration
- desert retreats
- creative work
Key Concepts
identity
social class
environmental contrast
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define “grit” in your life?
- What draws you to the desert?
A Different Perspective
Balancing belonging and alienation can be challenging.
![“What's inspiring me the most [is] injustice. My own growth as a member of the human race, in terms of the veils being lifted, seeing more of the beauty and also the horror. A sense of my own purpose in this life. Love...” quote by Ottessa Moshfegh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58d/ottessa-moshfegh-8200_growth_what-s-inspiring-me-the-most-is-injustic_380747.jpg)
