"I'm cursed with empathy. I'm also by nature way too opinionated."
About John Shirley
John Shirley — Life and Legacy
John Shirley is a prominent author and screenwriter recognized for his significant contributions to the science fiction and cyberpunk genres. His work, particularly 'A Song Called Youth', delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of technology on society. Shirley's writing often reflects a deep understanding of the human condition, exploring the tensions between individual desires and societal constraints. One of his notable quotes, 'The future is already here—it's just not evenly distributed,' encapsulates his critical view on technological advancement and its uneven impact across different communities. This perspective challenges readers to consider the implications of progress and the importance of equitable access to opportunities. Shirley's exploration of identity is equally profound, as he navigates the complexities of self in a rapidly changing world. His insights continue to resonate, prompting discussions about personal freedom and the societal structures that shape our lives.
Quote collection
John Shirley quotes
15 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"As far as I know Misha wrote the first cyberpunk poetry."
"I'm disturbed when people let superstition, magical thinking, extreme conspiracy theories and so on blur their minds."
"Innocence could be considered a discrete state of mind."
"Labels only confuse people. The smarter people recognize artists who transcend categories. But I always try to entertain. It's in my nature; writers are born to entertain. If that means working ostensibly within a genre, fine."
"I'm incapable of writing without social commentary. I like to think that it's integrated and not really heavy handedly didactic."
"Misha's importance and distinctiveness are beginning to be noticed, there's beginning to be some kind of rip-tide here that will soon become a wave of recognition for a book that the world is beginning to catch up to... We weren't ready before. We'd better be ready now. Because it's the 21st century, any minute now, and that means that Misha's time has come. In more ways than one."
"A man must make of his life a ladder that he never ceases to climb -- if you're not rising, you are slipping down the rungs, my friend."
"I get drunk writing words. I don't drink or do drugs, but I get so carried away with writing that I get inebriated from it."
"I'm just the kind of person who seems designed, probably by nature, to try to make a difference."
"I do try to be of some use in the world. I sometimes do volunteer work with kids, and manage to help some people a little, but really making a significant difference can be hard."
"People in extreme conditions are suddenly naked, realer than normal, perhaps even more alive."
"I'm not quite pompous enough to think of myself as an educator or a man capable of definitive refutation of falsehoods."
"I do sometimes watch 'Dr. Who' and while the stories barely make sense, if at all, the doctor is such great company I don't care."
"I'm trying to trick people into thinking about the unthinkable by using pop culture images."