“Love words, agonize over sentences. And pay attention to the world.”

— Susan Sontag

Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Susan Sontag 168

American writer and filmmaker, professor, and activist 1933–2004

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Context: There's nothing noble about dying. Not even if you die for honor. Not even if you die the greatest hero the world ever saw. Not even if you're so great your name will never be forgotten and who's that great? The most important thing is your life, little guys. You're worth nothing dead except for speeches. Don't let them kid you any more. Pay no attention when they tap you on the shoulder and say come along we've got to fight for liberty, or whatever their word is. There's always a word.