Bad business Quote by Rawi Hage
“Books were always important. I have to thank my father, he filled my life with books. He didn't write but he always read. He was a merchant, he filled the store with cigarette smoke and his friends, all talking about books and politics. It was bad for business. He dealt in women's clothing.”
About This Quote
A father's love for books shaped the narrator's worldview, despite his commercial life and the surrounding smoke and chatter.
In simple terms: Father's book habit influenced narrator, amid shop life.
Key Takeaway
Reading can shape identity beyond occupation.
Themes
books
family influence
culture
identity
Mood
nostalgic
intimate
Type
personal anecdote
reflective
When to use this quote
- growing up in a family business
- learning through parental hobbies
Key Concepts
intergenerational transmission
literary immersion
Practical Applications
- share reading habits with children
- create literary spaces at home
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a parent's hobby affect a child's values?
- Can a love of books coexist with demanding work?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote romanticizes reading without addressing potential neglect of other responsibilities.
