So wrote noir novelist Patricia Highsmith (1921—1995), masterful writer of books that biographer Joan Schenkar has called "brilliantly disorienting narratives of ... shimmering negativity."
"Negativity" is right! I looked her up and she sounds like a disturbingly negative human being. Do any of us need that kind of influence in our lives? It seems far better to attempt to fill our lives with people, literature, experiences, etc. that bring positive energy to our lives.
I think we can agree that some negativity, particularly shimmering negativity, is (or should be) essential in life and art and literature and especially friends...if you're lucky!! xo
Especially to the obsessed. I speak from experience.
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't know if I agree with that. Such things lead to a house full of china elephants or worse.
ReplyDeletePretty wicked quote!
ReplyDelete"Negativity" is right! I looked her up and she sounds like a disturbingly negative human being. Do any of us need that kind of influence in our lives? It seems far better to attempt to fill our lives with people, literature, experiences, etc. that bring positive energy to our lives.
ReplyDeleteAh, but her writing is wonderful, and the worlds she created so memorably disturbing. I could read them over and again.
ReplyDeleteI would say, "Passion is what matters."
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Claudia
I hope it's okay to weigh in again?!
ReplyDeleteI think we can agree that some negativity, particularly shimmering negativity, is (or should be) essential in life and art and literature and especially friends...if you're lucky!! xo
Oh I agree ! Well said, Indeed !
ReplyDeleteI love Patricia Highsmith's writing ..
And remember, you can't have Positive without Negative.