Skip to content

About Quote by Paul Auster

“I woke up one day and thought: 'I want to write a book about the history of my body.' I could justify talking about my mother because it was in her body that my body began.” quote by Paul Auster
Download Open image
“I woke up one day and thought: 'I want to write a book about the history of my body.' I could justify talking about my mother because it was in her body that my body began.”

Paul Auster

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1997

Writing a book about one’s body history connects personal identity to ancestral lineage.

In simple terms: Body history links to ancestry.

Key Takeaway

Explore personal origins through narrative.

Themes

identity heritage storytelling

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • memoirs
  • family therapy
  • artistic projects

Key Concepts

genealogy self‑reflection creative writing

Questions to Reflect On

  • What parts of your body tell a story?
  • How does ancestry shape self?
A Different Perspective

May be emotionally taxing.

4.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Paul Auster

Explore all 582 Paul Auster quotes

More About quotes

Browse all 26,122 About quotes