David Shields
Biography of David Shields
Full Name and Common Aliases
David Shields is a name synonymous with innovation in the realm of contemporary literature. While he is primarily known by his full name, he has occasionally been referred to simply as "Shields" in literary circles.
Birth and Death Dates
David Shields was born on July 22, 1956. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
David Shields is an American author, essayist, and professor. His work spans various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and essays, making him a versatile figure in modern literature. Shields is also a respected educator, having taught at several prestigious institutions.
Early Life and Background
David Shields was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. His early life was marked by a profound interest in literature and storytelling, which was nurtured by his parents and teachers. Shields attended Brown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. His academic journey continued at the University of Iowa, where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, a program renowned for producing some of the most influential writers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Major Accomplishments
David Shields has achieved significant acclaim for his innovative approach to literature. He is best known for challenging traditional narrative forms and exploring the boundaries between fiction and non-fiction. His work often blurs these lines, creating a unique reading experience that invites readers to question the nature of truth and storytelling. Shields has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the PEN/Revson Award.
Notable Works or Actions
Among David Shields' most notable works is "Reality Hunger: A Manifesto", published in 2010. This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the evolving nature of literature in the digital age. It challenges conventional notions of authorship and originality, advocating for a new form of writing that reflects the fragmented, collage-like nature of contemporary life. Another significant work is "The Thing About Life is That One Day You'll Be Dead", a deeply personal meditation on mortality and the human condition. Shields' ability to weave personal narrative with broader philosophical questions has made his work both thought-provoking and accessible.
Impact and Legacy
David Shields' impact on the literary world is profound. He has been a vocal advocate for the evolution of literature, encouraging writers to embrace new forms and ideas. His work has inspired a generation of authors to experiment with narrative structure and content, pushing the boundaries of what literature can be. Shields' influence extends beyond his writing; as a professor, he has mentored countless students, many of whom have gone on to become successful writers in their own right.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Shields is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive commentary on the nature of storytelling and his ability to articulate complex ideas in a compelling manner. His work resonates with readers and writers alike, offering fresh perspectives on the role of literature in a rapidly changing world. Shields' quotes often reflect his belief in the power of literature to challenge, provoke, and inspire. His contributions to the literary landscape have cemented his place as a pivotal figure in contemporary literature, ensuring that his words and ideas will continue to be quoted and remembered for years to come.
Quotes by David Shields
Your art is most alive and dangerous when you use it against yourself. That's why I pick at my scabs.
The 'Times' is understood to be almost the unofficial biographer of the country, in some strange way to be printing a kind of quasi-neutral truth or even, in some people's minds, slightly center-left version of reality.
I've always liked this idea that writing should comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable to create trouble. The value of a work of art can be measured by the harm spoken of it. If you're not feeling that, then absolutely, why bother?
I felt like I was definitely seeing something - the falsely gorgeous images of war, painted, almost invariably, in 'Times' combat photos.
Swimming is by far the best tonic I've found for my back. I'm not a good swimmer - I do the breaststroke or elementary backstroke in the slow lane - but when I took a two-week break from swimming I was surprised how much I missed it.
In the summer of 1956, my mother was pregnant with me, which caused my father to confess his fear that I was going to be too much of a burden for him because he had a history of depression.
As a work gets more autobiographical, more intimate, more confessional, more embarrassing, it breaks into fragments.
Gerald Jonas's book about stuttering is called 'The Disorder of Many Theories.' Back theory seems to suffer from the same 'Rashomon' effect: as with almost every human problem, there is no dearth of answers and no answer.
I do not think it feasible to examine the phenomenon of hatefulness without being hateful.