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Baghdad Quote by Robert Hass

“I think that were I in the middle of an obsession to write about, say, sudden oak death in California or my grandchildren or time and memory and how they look when you get to be in your sixties, and I thought, "Well, yes but people are dying every day in Baghdad," I wouldn't feel guilty about not…” quote by Robert Hass
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“I think that were I in the middle of an obsession to write about, say, sudden oak death in California or my grandchildren or time and memory and how they look when you get to be in your sixties, and I thought, "Well, yes but people are dying every day in Baghdad," I wouldn't feel guilty about not writing about Baghdad if I didn't have any good ideas about how to write about it.”

Robert Hass

About This Quote

Writing about personal obsessions is valid even when global crises occur.

In simple terms: Personal topics are okay despite world events.

Key Takeaway

Write authentically, not out of guilt.

Themes

authenticity guilt global awareness writing focus

Mood

reflective balanced

Type

ethical creative

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

personal narrative ethical responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you address global issues?
  • How to avoid guilt when focusing on self?
A Different Perspective

Balancing personal and global concerns is tough.

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