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Be good Quote by Stephen Dobyns

“I had a period when I read Nobel Prize winners. I figured they had to be good. I discovered some people I didn't know about, like the Icelandic writer Halldor Laxness, who wrote "Independent People." .” quote by Stephen Dobyns
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“I had a period when I read Nobel Prize winners. I figured they had to be good. I discovered some people I didn't know about, like the Icelandic writer Halldor Laxness, who wrote "Independent People." .”

Stephen Dobyns

About This Quote

Source Essay: Literary Exploration, 1995

The author assumed Nobel laureates were inherently superior, but discovered valuable works from less celebrated writers, challenging that.

In simple terms: Assumed Nobel winners are best, found hidden gems elsewhere.

Key Takeaway

Explore beyond famous names for quality.

Themes

literature assumptions discovery quality recognition

Mood

curious analytical

Type

critical reflective

When to use this quote

  • reading lists
  • library research
  • academic study

Key Concepts

canon formation cultural bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria do you use to judge literature?
  • How can you broaden your reading horizons?
A Different Perspective

Famous awards don’t guarantee quality.

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