Anna Quindlen

Books as Both Passageway and Final Destination

By uniting journey and destination, Quindlen points to the dual nature of reading as both experience and result. The process—the turning of pages, the gradual deepening of characters, the tension of not knowing what comes next—corresponds to our time on the road. At the same time, the outcome—new knowledge, empathy, or resolve—resembles finally stepping off the train into a different country. Educational research on narrative transportation, such as Melanie Green and Timothy Brock’s work in the early 2000s, shows that when people are deeply absorbed in a story, their attitudes and beliefs can shift. In this way, reading is not metaphorically like travel; it functions psychologically as travel. [...]

From Wishing to Willing: Choosing Intentional Action

History and culture echo this pattern. John F. Kennedy’s 1962 pledge—'we choose to go to the Moon'—channeled a national 'we will' into engineers’ checklists and astronauts’ training, culminating in Apollo 11’s landing in 1969. On a personal scale, J. K. Rowling wrote in cafés, persisted through multiple rejections, and kept submitting until publication in 1997; perseverance turned a private vow into a public phenomenon. In both cases, a declarative will became coordinated, measurable effort. [...]

Don't Just Dream of Success; Wake Up and Work Hard for It - Anna Quindlen

It highlights that success comes from dedication and effort, not just wishful thinking. To turn dreams into reality, one must be willing to work hard consistently. [...]

The Life You Have Led Doesn’t Need to Be the Only Life You Have - Anna Quindlen

This quote emphasizes that individuals are not confined to their past experiences. It encourages embracing change and seeking new paths in life. [...]

Giving Up Perfection to Embrace Yourself - Anna Quindlen

Anna Quindlen, an acclaimed author and journalist, often explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and personal growth in her work. This quote reflects her belief in the power of embracing one's individuality. [...]