After a certain point, the ravages of experience reverse themselves; we put on innocence with advancing age, at least in the minds of others.
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
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The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin" suggests that as people age, their life experiences can lead to a perception of regained innocence. This irony highlights how society often views the elderly; rather than recognizing their wisdom and complexities, they may project a simplistic, naive image onto them. This reversal can be seen as a reflection of cultural attitudes toward aging, where youthful qualities are idealized even in those who have lived rich, complicated lives.

Moreover, this transformation signifies a deeper commentary on how narratives are constructed around age and experience. While individuals accumulate knowledge and experiences, external perceptions may strip away the weight of these life lessons, allowing for a view of innocence that is detached from reality. In essence, Atwood captures the paradox of aging: with time, we may seem more innocent to others even as we grapple with the profound truths of our own lives.

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The Blind Assassin
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Margaret Atwood
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Other quotes in The Blind Assassin

What is the real breath of a man-the breathing out or the breathing in? Suchwas the nature of the gods
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
What is the real breath of a man-the breathing out or the breathing in? Suchwas the nature of the gods
Why is it we want so badly to memorialize ourselves? Even while we're still alive. We wish to assert our existence, like dogs peeing on fire hydrants. We put on display our framed photographs, our parchment diplomas, our silver-plated cups; we monogram our linen, we carve our names on trees, we scrawl them on washroom walls. It's all the same impulse. What do we hope from it? Applause, envy, respect? Or simply attention, of any kind we can get?At the very least we want a witness. We can't stand the idea of our own voices falling silent finally, like a radio running down.
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
Why is it we want so badly to memorialize ourselves? Even while we're still alive. We wish to assert our existence, like dogs peeing on fire hydrants. We put on display our framed photographs, our parchment diplomas, our silver-plated cups; we monogram our linen, we carve our names on trees, we scrawl them on washroom walls. It's all the same impulse. What do we hope from it? Applause, envy, respect? Or simply attention, of any kind we can get?At the very least we want a witness. We can't stand the idea of our own voices falling silent finally, like a radio running down.
What would that be like - to long, to yearn for someone who is right there before your eyes, day in and day out?
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
What would that be like - to long, to yearn for someone who is right there before your eyes, day in and day out?
As with so much else, she was convinced that an exception would be made in her case.
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
As with so much else, she was convinced that an exception would be made in her case.
Many believed what they were told: that the welfare of the entire kingdom depended on their selflessness.
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
Many believed what they were told: that the welfare of the entire kingdom depended on their selflessness.
I expect he did it awkwardly, but awkwardness in men was a sign of sincerity then.
Margaret Atwood The Blind Assassin
I expect he did it awkwardly, but awkwardness in men was a sign of sincerity then.
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Other quotes in book quote

All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Edward Gorey Ascending Peculiarity:...
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
Holly Black White Cat
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
Jim Butcher Grave Peril
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Maria V. Snyder Magic Study
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
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