"What's that line from TS Eliot? To arrive at the place where you started, but to know it for the first time. I'm able to write about a breakup from a different place. Same brokenness. Same rock-bottom. But a little more informed, now I'm older. Thank God for growing up."

Literature

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on literature by Alanis Morissette resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in literature is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Alanis Morissette

Alanis Nadine Morissette is a Canadian and American singer-songwriter. Regarded as the "Queen of Alt-Rock Angst", she became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, gaining international fame for her emotive mezzo-soprano voice and confessional songwriting. She has sold more than 60 million records worldwide. Her accolades include seven Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, 14 Juno Awards, and nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award. In 2005, she was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame, and in 2026, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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"Canada has a passive-aggressive culture, with a lot of sarcasm and righteousness. That went with my weird messianic complex. The ego is a fascinating monster. I was taught from a young age that I had to serve, so that turned into me thinking I had to save the planet."

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"The short story is still like the novel's wayward younger brother, we know that it's not respectable - but I think that can also add to the glory of it."

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"What would there be in a story of happiness? Only what prepares it, only what destroys it can be told."

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