Strong Opinions

In this collection of interviews, articles, and editorials, Nabokov ranges over his life, art, education, politics, literature, movies, and modern times, among other subjects. Strong Opinions offers his trenchant, witty, and always engaging views on ever

Characters

Vladimir Nabokov (8)

Rowdies are never revolutionary, they are always reactionary. It is among the young that the greatest conformists and Philistines are found, e.g., the hippies with their group beards and group protests.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Revolution Understanding The reactionary

Learn to distinguish banality. Remember that mediocrity thrives on 'ideas.'

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Too Much Thought The World of Ideas

Derivative writers seem versatile because they imitate many others, past and present. Artistic originality has only its own self to copy.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Artistic originality Creativity

An academic career is especially helpful to writers in two ways: 1) easy access to magnificent libraries and 2) long vacations.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Academics Teaching

By all means place the ‘how’ above the ‘what’ but do not let it be confused with the ‘so what.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Problem Solving Understanding What Is Important Critical Analysis Prioritizing

Beware of the modish message.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Uniformity Herd Mentality

I know more than I can express in words, and the little I can express would not have been expressed, had I not known more.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

When Words Fail My Philosophy The Secret Of Our Secret States Beyond Language Transcendental

The tingle in the spine really tells you what the author felt and wished you to feel.

— Vladimir Nabokov, amazon.com

Reading Artistic Ecstasy The Chill of Perfect Art Literary Culture

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