“Why did you start to write?I left at 15.. I started to write becase I was taken off a ship from Germany when I was 18. They said I wouldn't live for 6 months.I'd been given up for dead many times and I just didn't want to waste my life. I had what I now realize was a spiritual experience.I realized that I would die,and that just before I would die,two things would happen.number one, I would regret my entire life.and number two, I would want to live my life over again.and then I would die.and that terrified me.[...]to think that I would live my entire life, look at it, and say oh..I blew it. was such a terrifying thoughtthat I bought a typewriterI didn't know what I was going to do with it, but I bought a typewriter.but that is what got me to start writing, wasI did not want to waste my lifeI wanted to, and I HAD to, do something with my life”
Modern Relevance
Hubert Selby Jr.'s story of starting to write as a way to make sure he didn't waste his life serves as a powerful reminder for us today. In a society where we are often consumed by materialism, social media, and the pressures of everyday life, Selby's experience reminds us of the importance of pursuing meaningful goals and not taking our time for granted. This quote encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider what we are doing to make the most of our time here on earth. It inspires us to take risks, follow our passions, and strive for personal growth and fulfillment.
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Hubert Selby Jr., the author reflects on the moment that inspired him to start writing. Selby explains that he was facing a life-threatening illness and had a profound realization about the importance of not wasting his life. This realization led him to purchase a typewriter and begin writing as a way to make something meaningful out of his life.
Selby's explanation reveals the existential fear of looking back on one's life with regret and the strong desire to make a positive impact. This quote highlights the transformative power of confronting mortality and the urgency it can create in pursuing one's passions. Selby's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest and not squandering the time we have.
Example of Usage
In this powerful quote by Hubert Selby Jr., he shares the reason why he started to write. Despite facing numerous health challenges and feeling like he was running out of time, Selby's realization about not wanting to waste his life pushed him to start writing. This quote encapsulates the sense of urgency and purpose that can drive a person to pursue their passions and make the most of their time.
Reflection Questions:
Hubert Selby Jr. shares that he started writing because he didn't want to waste his life and wanted to do something meaningful with it. Reflect on the following questions based on his experience:
Have you ever experienced a moment where you realized the importance of not wasting your life? What was that moment like for you?
Selby mentions a fear of looking back on his life with regret if he didn't take action. Have you ever thought about how you would feel if you didn't pursue your passions or dreams?
What motivates you to take action and not waste your life? How do you ensure that you are living a purposeful and fulfilling life?
Incorporate these questions into your reflection and consider how Selby's story resonates with your own journey and aspirations.
Similar quotes
“I was sitting at home and had a profound experience. I experienced, in all of my Being, that someday I was going to die, and it wouldn't be like it had been happening, almost dying but somehow staying alive, but I would just die! And two things would happen right before I died: I would regret my entire life; I would want to live it over again. This terrified me. The thought that I would live my entire life, look at it and realize I blew it forced me to do something with my life.”
“But I knew that someday I was going to die. And just before I died two things would happen; Number 1: I would regret my entire life. Number 2: I would want to live my life over again.”
“When my mother would tell me that she wanted me to have something because she as a child had never had it, I wanted, or I partly wanted, to give it back. All my life I continued to feel that bliss for me would have to imply my mother's deprivation or sacrifice. I don't think it would have occurred to her what a double emotion I felt, and indeed I know that it was being unfair to her, for what she said was simply the truth.”
“At that point in my life, I was not looking for a career. I viewed my first decade after college as a time to explore. I didn't want anchors to hold me down. If something caught my attention, I would try it. If not, I would move on.”
“I saw something I hadn't realized before: words wasted energy. I would use my strength instead to nurture my belief that my life would unfurl uniquely.”