Laura Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““You couldn't get more original than Laura. Laura. Yes, she was an original, all right. One of a kind. Did they break her mold or what, pal? Or...or did it self-destruct ? Still, Laura. The one and the only. Such a plain name for a unique cutie. But perhaps my acuity is not without its problems. I ruin everything: a stupid story to be tapped out on my tomb's stone. I ruined even Laura. And an original ruin is rare. Just ask the archaeologist, "Egypt, again?" Just ask me, "Laura, again?" and we'll both respond: "Yes, again and again. And again.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, 1955
The narrator reflects on the paradox of originality and self‑destruction, using Laura as a symbol of unique identity that is both celebrated and ruined.
In simple terms: Originality can be both celebrated and self‑destructive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect true originality.
Themes
identity
originality
self‑destruction
reflection
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- personal relationships
- creative projects
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
existentialism
literary irony
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance admiration with criticism?
- What protects a unique identity from self‑ruin?
A Different Perspective
Originality can be eclipsed by the creator’s own flaws.
![“We spend less time with each other now than we did during the presidency. When you're president, you're usually out and back in the same day - at least I was. I just came from a trip to the Middle East last week, where I was gone for five nights, and when I left, Laura [Bush] was out of town.” quote by George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bc2/george-w-bush-64_east_we-spend-less-time-with-each-other-now-t_32696.jpg)
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
