Will Self
Biography of Will Self
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: William Woodard Self
Common Aliases: Will Self
Birth and Death Dates
Date of Birth: September 26, 1961
Date of Death: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Profession(s): Novelist, Journalist, Political Commentator, Television Personality
Early Life and Background
Will Self was born in London, England, to a family with a rich intellectual and cultural heritage. His father, Peter Self, was a distinguished academic and civil servant, while his mother, Elaine Rosenbloom, was an American Jewish journalist. Growing up in a household that valued education and discourse, Self was exposed to a variety of cultural and intellectual influences from an early age. He attended University College School in Hampstead before moving on to Christ's College, Finchley. Later, he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Exeter College, Oxford, where he honed his critical thinking skills and developed a penchant for the avant-garde.
Major Accomplishments
Will Self's career is marked by a prolific output of novels, essays, and journalistic pieces that have garnered both critical acclaim and public interest. He first gained widespread attention with his debut novel, "Cock and Bull" (1992), which showcased his distinctive style characterized by dark humor, satirical wit, and a penchant for the surreal. Over the years, Self has been nominated for numerous literary awards, including the Booker Prize, and has won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize.
In addition to his literary achievements, Self has made significant contributions to journalism. He has written for major publications such as The Guardian, The Independent, and The New Statesman, where his incisive commentary on politics, culture, and society has earned him a reputation as a formidable public intellectual. His work often challenges conventional thinking and provokes debate, making him a prominent voice in contemporary discourse.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Will Self's most notable works are his novels "Great Apes" (1997), "How the Dead Live" (2000), and "Umbrella" (2012). "Umbrella" was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and is considered one of his most ambitious works, exploring themes of mental illness and the human condition through a complex narrative structure. His novel "The Book of Dave" (2006) is another standout, offering a dystopian vision of a future society shaped by the misinterpretations of a London cab driver's diary.
Self's non-fiction work is equally compelling, with collections such as "Junk Mail" (1995) and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Prawn Cracker" (2012) showcasing his versatility as a writer. His essays often delve into the absurdities of modern life, blending personal anecdotes with broader social commentary.
Impact and Legacy
Will Self's impact on literature and journalism is significant, as he has consistently pushed the boundaries of both fields. His unique voice and willingness to tackle complex and often controversial subjects have earned him a dedicated following and a place among the most influential writers of his generation. Self's work is characterized by a fearless exploration of the human psyche, a deep skepticism of authority, and a commitment to intellectual rigor.
His legacy is not only in his written work but also in his contributions to public discourse. As a frequent guest on television and radio programs, Self has brought his sharp wit and critical insights to a wider audience, influencing public opinion and encouraging critical thinking.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Will Self is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive observations and his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and humor. His quotes often capture the essence of contemporary issues, offering fresh perspectives that challenge readers to reconsider their assumptions. Whether through his novels, essays, or public appearances, Self's words resonate with audiences seeking thoughtful and provocative commentary on the world around them.
His ability to blend the literary with the journalistic, the personal with the political, ensures that his work remains relevant and engaging. As a result, Will Self continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection for readers and thinkers across the globe.
Quotes by Will Self
Will Self's insights on:
When anyone starts out to do something creative – especially if it seems a little unusual – they seek approval, often from those least inclined to give it. But a creative life cannot be sustained by approval, any more than it can be destroyed by criticism – you learn this as you go on.
Mother sighed with exasperation. “Look, there aren’t any “people in charge of death”. When you die you move to another part of London, that’s all there is to it. Period.
Grove Health Center,” trilled the woman on the end of the line. She had the vocal automisation that comes to people whose job description might as well read: ‘Ceaseless repetition’.
He parked in a nearby street and walked out on to the bridge. Below him the lights of London spread away in a wash of low wattage, Their dimness gave the lie to the very vastless of the city. Bull heard its distant roar, its night-time sough, its terminal cough.
There’s a flip side to having prominent public intellectuals, which is that they start meddling in politics and often with quite disastrous results.
Dan slept throughout – but a man who sleeps with his head lying on a phone table can never really sleep with a clean conscience.
The life of the professional writer – like that of any freelance, whether she be a plumber or a podiatrist – is predicated on willpower. Without it there simply wouldn’t be any remuneration, period.
I’m an anarchist. I’m implacably opposed to heirarchical systems of power and control. I also mistrust crowds, as they often operate according to their lowest common denominator. In terms of evolutionary psychology, the crowd is very close to a herd of stampeding wildebeest.
What fiction offers us is an intimacy shorn of the messy contingencies of human existence – gender, race, class or age. Those moments of transcendence when we exclaim ‘You know exactly what I mean!’ depend for much of their force on the anonymous character of the intimacy between writer and reader.