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Academia Quote by Vladimir Nabokov

“To each, or about each, of his colleagues he had said at one time or other, something... something impossible to recall in this or that case and difficult to define in general terms -- some careless bright and harsh trifle that had grazed a stretch of raw flesh.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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““To each, or about each, of his colleagues he had said at one time or other, something... something impossible to recall in this or that case and difficult to define in general terms -- some careless bright and harsh trifle that had grazed a stretch of raw flesh.””

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Gift by Vladimir Nabokov, 1938

A colleague’s comment was vague, fleeting, and hard to pin down, reflecting a careless, striking remark that touched something raw.

In simple terms: A vague, striking remark touched something raw.

Key Takeaway

Notice fleeting, striking remarks.

Themes

communication perception memory

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • workplace interactions
  • creative brainstorming
  • personal reflections

Key Concepts

subjectivity ephemerality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do fleeting comments shape our perception?
  • What makes a remark feel raw?
A Different Perspective

Such remarks may be misinterpreted or forgotten.

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