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Charles Simic
90quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Charles Simic is a poet, essayist, and critic whose full name is Milorad Čamić.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 9, 1938, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Simic's life spans over eight decades. He has been an American citizen since 1966.
Nationality and Profession(s)
A Yugoslavian-born American poet, essayist, and critic, Charles Simic is one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary literature. His work has appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and The Nation.
Early Life and Background
Simic's family moved to Belgrade when he was just a year old. His childhood was marked by war, displacement, and the loss of his father during World War II. In 1948, his family migrated to the United States, settling in Chicago. This tumultuous past profoundly influenced his writing, as seen in his poetry collections like "Charon's Oak" and "The Voice at Three in the Morning".
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Simic has received numerous accolades for his poetic prowess. Some notable achievements include:
Recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1990) for "The World Doesn't Have Heroes"
Consultant to the Library of Congress (1982-1984)
Poet Laureate of the United States (2007-2008)
Honorary degrees from several institutions, including Yale University and New York University
Notable Works or Actions
Simic's writing often explores themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. His notable works include:
Poetry collections: "Dismantling the Statue" (1993), "The Voice at Three in the Morning" (1975), "Charon's Oak" (2002)
Essay collections: "What Are Poets For?" (2003), "Remembered Yet Forgotten" (2017)
Impact and Legacy
Charles Simic has left an indelible mark on the literary world. His unique voice, blending elements of surrealism and traditional poetry, has inspired generations of writers. As a poet laureate, he played a pivotal role in promoting literature and encouraging readers to engage with poetry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Simic's enduring popularity can be attributed to his ability to tap into the collective human experience. His work often grapples with universal themes such as identity, belonging, and the search for meaning. As a result, his words resonate deeply with readers worldwide, making him one of the most celebrated poets of our time.
This biography aims to provide an in-depth look at Charles Simic's life, accomplishments, and impact on literature. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike, cementing his place as a literary giant.
Quotes by Charles Simic
Charles Simic's insights on:
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At some point my need for a solution was replaced by the poetry of my continuous failure.
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And of course, for all we know, I might be a hundred years old already, and she just a sleepy little girl with glasses.
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Time – the lizard in the sunlight. It doesn’t move, but its eyes are wide open. They love to gaze into our faces and hearken to our discourse. It’s because the very first men were lizards. If you don’t believe me, go grab one by the tail and see it come right off.
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If the photographers are soul-thieves, whose soul is being stolen in a photograph of the night sky? The soul of the last one to go to bed and the soul of the first one to rise in the morning, perhaps? Photography is a black art like alchemy. It turns matter into spirit and spirit into matter. Still, there are moments when looking at a photograph of a night sky we have a hunch what the word soul means, what the word infinity encompasses.
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Everyone vain, dull, peevish, and sexually frustrated dreams of legislating his impotence. Mao’s uniforms: a billion people dressing the same and shouting from his little red book continues to be the secret hope of new visionaries.
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Nationalism is a self-constructed cage in which family members can huddle in safety when they’re not growling and barking at someone outside the cage.
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I remember,” someone said, “how in ancient times one could turn a wolf into a human and then lecture it to one’s heart’s content.
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I’m not a stickler for truth. To me, lying in poetry is much more fun. I’m against lying in life, in principle, in any other activity except poetry.
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