Maria Semple Quotes
Quotes to Explore
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It is crucial that we develop real awareness of ourselves as citizens of Earth, linked by mutual and indissoluble bonds. When we clearly recognize this reality and ground ourselves in it, we are compelled to take a strict accounting of our way of life.
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I own a Hangman jumper, which looks like a scarf, but that's what it's called. It cost a fortune, but it was worth it.
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My kids are free to do what ever they want. Because I only advise. I don't make them do anything.
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For the first time I go to La Scala, for each thing, for each rehearsal, my knees were shaking. But the audience was very fine with me.
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I don't write under the ghost of Faulkner. I live in the same town and find his life and work inspiring, but that's it. I have a motorcycle and tool along the country lanes. I travel at my own speed.
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Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.
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I think socializing on the Internet is to socializing what reality TV is to reality.
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It's hard for me to even watch comedies I'm in.
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A dinner invitation, once accepted, is a sacred obligation. If you die before the dinner takes place, your executor must attend.
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The whole borrowing clothes thing is very unnatural for me. I don't feel comfortable with that. If you like something, I'd just give it to you rather than sharing it.
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I have seen life from the top down and the bottom up. I know how it looks both ways. And I know there is wisdom and that there is hope.
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I don't understand why women journalists always ask women about motherhood? It's far more important and interesting for women to talk about their work, their thoughts, their creativity and their individual identity.
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Real parent engagement means establishing meaningful ways for parents to be partners in their children's public education from the beginning - not just when a school is failing. The goal should be to never let a school get to that point.
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So it's joyful to me, in my 71st year, to be able to be in a play that is absolutely right for my age and my experience, and that is a popular success. What more could you ask as an actor?
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While I have never been more excited about SecondMarket, I have chosen to move on from day-to-day management of the private company/fund business so that I can focus 100% of my energy on our digital currency business.
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I was one of those girls in class who always had her hair in plaits, was always with the boys, always playing football in the street.
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Bragging about yourself violates norms of modesty and politeness - and if you were really competent, your work would speak for itself.
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Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.
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The hardest role that I've ever tried to play was Clara Johnson in 'Light in the Piazza' at Lincoln Center. It was the least fun I've ever had, but the most beautiful experience I've ever had. I could not understand her. I could not put my feet in her shoes. I came home every night, and I was depressed.
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Reading is an act of civilization; it's one of the greatest acts of civilization because it takes the free raw material of the mind and builds castles of possibilities.
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I don't want everyone to read anything; I like us all reading different books.
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It's important for me to write songs that feel good to sing every night and remind me of my core, truest beliefs.
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I think its naive to think you can push yourself as hard as someone else can push you, but I work really hard on my own. I know my body.
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I survived many a youth hostel bunk room reading Tolstoy by flashlight.