Author

To act: that is what the writer would like to be able to do, above all. To act, rather than to bear witness. To write, imagine, and dream in such a way that his words and inventions and dreams will have an impact upon reality, will change people's minds and hearts, will prepare the way for a better world.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

I enjoy very much being in a foreign country, in a new country, new place. And I enjoy also beginning a new book. It's like being someone else.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

Language is the most extraordinary invention in the history of humanity, the one which came before everything and which makes it possible to share everything.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

To understand the hidden secret of the modern industrial world in which I find myself, I have to return to another world. That world is at once wartime Nice and the plantation - the sugar isles on which Europe's prosperity was built.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

I'm used to shifting languages because my father used to speak to us, to my brother and I, he used to speak in English. He wanted us to be quite fluent in English, especially when he was trying to correct our behavior; he would do that in English.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

I don't have any office; I can write everywhere. So, I put a piece of paper on the table, and then I travel. Literally, writing for me is like travelling. It's getting out of myself and living another life - maybe a better life.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

I grew up in a Mauritian bubble in France... I had the feeling of not belonging, but still living with French culture.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

I can understand better than most the contradiction between the idealistic civilisation and religious morals of Europe and what they did with the slaves, because the root of the evil is only two generations away from me. Maybe this has fed my need to fight against the abuses of modern civilisation.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

I've always felt very much from a mixed culture - mainly English and French, but also Nigerian, Thai, Mexican. Everything's had its influence on me.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

My English is closer to the literary English, and I'm not very familiar with jokes in English or with, you know, with small talk in English.

From J. M. G. Le Clezio

J. M. G. Le Clezio

Notable Quotes

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