In the month since the death of American author and feminist elder Ursula K. Le Guin, there have been many tributes and people reposting, sharing, and reminding us of her best writing, her powerful speeches, her all-round literary badassery. I have enjoyed these posts and the chances to read (again) her sharp and moral words. Today, this line made my breath catch in my chest – made me want to stand on a chair and raise my fist – so I share it here with you:
‘Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art — the art of words.’ – Ursula K. Le Guin
This quote for writers, this call to arms (or pens and keyboards), is from Le Guin’s acceptance of the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters in 2014. That speech is available here. (See? This is what happens when a historian concerned with sources shares pithy quotes on the internet!)
May the world produce and nurture, for years and years to come, storytellers like Ursula K. Le Guin. And may we hear in the world these many and varied new storytellers.
May we listen.
— Angie
A. L. Kahler 