July 2026 – BIG OTHER

Elias Canetti on Astonishment, Reality, Writing, Books, and More

Happy birthday, Elias Canetti! Here are some quotes from the writer: “Relearn astonishment, stop grasping for knowledge, lose…

Happy birthday, Big Other contributor Elaine Equi! Celebrate by reading the five Equi poems below, which we published in…

Happy birthday, Hart Crane! Here are some quotes and poems from the poet: “I can remember much forgetfulness.”…

Happy birthday, Frantz Fanon! Here are some quotes from the philosopher, revolutionary, and writer. “My final prayer: O…

Happy birthday, Herbert Marcuse! Here are some quotes from the philosopher, sociologist, and political theorist: “The truth of…

Happy birthday, Jacques Derrida! Here are some quotes from the philosopher: “I always dream of a pen that would…

Happy birthday, Walter Benjamin! Here are some quotes from the author’s texts: “The art of storytelling is reaching…

Happy birthday, Henry David Thoreau! Here are some quotes from his writing: “You must get your living by…

Happy birthday, Marcel Proust! Here are some quotes from the writer: “Love is space and time measured by…

Happy birthday, Big Other contributor Jeffery Renard Allen! Celebrate by reading Allen’s “Four Poems,” which we published in 2025! Then…