Quote by: John Updike

Know Thyself, a wise old Greek once said. Know Thyself. Now what does this mean, boys and girls? It means, be what you are. Don't try to be Sally or Johnny or Fred next door; be yourself. God doesn't want a tree to be a waterfall, or a flower to be a stone. God gives to each one of us a special talent." Janice and Rabbit become unnaturally still; both are Christians. God's name makes them feel guilty. "God wants some of us to become scientists, some of us to become artists, some of us to become firemen and doctors and trapeze artists. And He gives to each of us the special talents to become these things, provided we work to develop them. We must work, boys and girls. So: Know Thyself. Learn to understand your talents, and then work to develop them. That's the way to be happy.


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Author Bio


  • NameJohn Updike
  • DescriptionAmerican novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic, and literary critic
  • AliasesJohn Hoyer Updike
  • BornMarch 18, 1932
  • DiedJanuary 27, 2009
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPoet; Writer; Novelist; Essayist
  • WorksThe Witches Of Eastwick
  • AwardsCommandeur Des Arts Et Des Lettres?; National Medal Of Arts; National Humanities Medal; National Book Award