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Best 23 Bret Easton Ellis Quotes
Bret Easton Ellis is a renowned American author and novelist, best known for his controversial and influential works such as “American Psycho” and “Less Than Zero”. With his dark and satirical writing style, Ellis has managed to captivate readers worldwide. Throughout his career, he has delivered numerous thought-provoking and memorable quotes that offer insights into the human condition, society, and the darker aspects of life. In this article, we have compiled the best 23 Bret Easton Ellis quotes that showcase his unique perspective on various subjects.
1. “Disintegration – how it feels when you’re trying to hold it all together and it just won’t stay together, no matter how hard you try.”
This quote encapsulates the feeling of losing control, a theme often explored in Ellis’s works. It reflects the struggle to maintain stability in an increasingly chaotic world.
2. “There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman, some kind of abstraction, but there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory.”
Taken from “American Psycho,” this quote delves into the unsettling notion of losing one’s true identity in a world obsessed with appearances and masks.
3. “The better you look, the more you see.”
This quote explores the idea that appearances can be deceiving. It suggests that the more one observes and analyzes the surface, the more they uncover hidden truths.
4. “You’re a blank canvas until you’re what you want to be.”
Ellis’s quote emphasizes the concept of self-creation and the power of personal transformation. It suggests that individuals have the ability to shape their identities and become whoever they desire.
5. “I’m not sure what I want, but I know what I don’t want.”
This quote reflects the uncertainty and confusion often experienced in life. It acknowledges that sometimes, knowing what one does not want is the first step towards finding clarity.
6. “The problem with resolutions is they’re just promises to yourself and promises are meant to be broken.”
This quote challenges the idea of making resolutions or promises, highlighting the tendency for humans to deviate from their plans and intentions.
7. “The myth of the perfect ending.”
Ellis’s quote questions the notion of a perfect ending or conclusion. It suggests that life rarely conforms to neat narratives and that the pursuit of perfection may be futile.
8. “There is no real sense of community anymore. People can’t relate to their neighbors anymore.”
This quote reflects the isolation and disconnection prevalent in modern society. It highlights the loss of community and human connection in an increasingly individualistic world.
9. “People are afraid to merge on freeways in Los Angeles.”
This quote humorously captures the anxiety-inducing experience of merging on the notoriously congested highways of Los Angeles. It speaks to larger themes of fear and vulnerability.
10. “Living in someone else’s imagination is a terrible way to die.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of living an authentic life, free from the expectations and confines of others. It warns against the dangers of losing oneself in someone else’s vision.
11. “There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.”
Ellis challenges conventional morality by suggesting that the value of a book lies solely in its literary quality rather than its moral content. It encourages a more nuanced understanding of literature.
12. “The less time I have, the more I want to spend it with you.”
This quote captures the intense desire to be with someone when time is limited. It conveys the urgency and passion that can arise when faced with the fleeting nature of time.
13. “I don’t need someone to write about me. I need someone to write for me.”
Ellis’s quote reflects the desire for artistic collaboration and recognition. It suggests that true understanding and appreciation come from someone who can capture his essence through their writing.
14. “I think the idea of a ‘mental breakdown’ is kind of romanticized.”
This quote challenges the romanticized notion of a mental breakdown, highlighting the harsh reality of such experiences. It questions society’s fascination with mental instability.
15. “The moment you become passive, life itself becomes passive.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with life. It suggests that complacency leads to a lack of fulfillment and an unfulfilled existence.
16. “There is no one out there who can save you. There is only you.”
Ellis’s quote underscores the idea of personal responsibility and self-reliance. It suggests that true salvation can only come from within oneself.
17. “I’m not so sure that people want to hear the truth anymore. It’s easier to believe in the lies.”
This quote speaks to the desensitization and preference for comforting lies over harsh truths. It reflects a societal aversion to facing reality head-on.
18. “I’m not saying that everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is.”
This quote acknowledges the inevitability of death while suggesting that everything before it is manageable and can be overcome. It encourages resilience in the face of adversity.
19. “The problem with nostalgia is that it’s never what you remember.”
Ellis’s quote challenges the idealized view of the past. It suggests that nostalgia often distorts reality, and what one remembers might not align with the actual experience.
20. “We live in a society where the unrealistic is often more appealing than the real.”
This quote highlights the allure of escapism and the preference for fantasy over reality. It comments on society’s tendency to seek refuge in the unreal.
21. “The truth will set you free, but first, it will piss you off.”
This quote captures the discomfort and initial resistance that often accompanies the revelation of truth. It suggests that accepting the truth can be a challenging and transformative process.
22. “You can’t fake the reality of your own life.”
Ellis’s quote underscores the importance of authenticity and the impossibility of pretending to be something one is not. It encourages individuals to embrace their true selves.
23. “We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.”
This quote explores the subjectivity of perception. It suggests that our personal experiences and biases shape how we interpret and understand the world.
FAQs about Bret Easton Ellis:
1. What is Bret Easton Ellis known for?
Bret Easton Ellis is known for his provocative and controversial novels, including “American Psycho” and “Less Than Zero.” His works often explore themes of nihilism, violence, and the dark underbelly of society.
2. Is Bret Easton Ellis still writing?
Yes, Bret Easton Ellis is still an active writer. While he hasn’t published a novel since 2010’s “Imperial Bedrooms,” he continues to engage with his audience through social media, podcasts, and occasional essays.
3. What is Bret Easton Ellis’s writing style?
Bret Easton Ellis’s writing style is characterized by its dark, satirical, and often controversial nature. He employs a minimalist and detached narrative voice that reflects the disconnection and alienation prevalent in modern society.
4. Are Bret Easton Ellis’s books autobiographical?
While Bret Easton Ellis’s novels often contain elements that draw from his personal experiences, they are not strictly autobiographical. His works are fictional and explore broader societal and cultural themes.
5. Has Bret Easton Ellis won any awards?
Bret Easton Ellis has been recognized for his contributions to literature. In 1991, he received the QPB New Voices Award for “American Psycho.” Additionally, he was named one of the “Best Young American Novelists” by Granta Magazine in 1996.
In conclusion, Bret Easton Ellis’s quotes offer profound insights into the human condition, society, and the complexities of life. From his exploration of identity and the illusion of perfection to his commentary on the loss of community and the allure of fantasy, Ellis’s words provoke thought and challenge conventional thinking. His unique perspective and dark humor continue to resonate with readers, making him a significant figure in contemporary literature.
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