John Updike: Machine Earning

John Updike Money Quote saying if someone can’t relate to kids they’re lost to basic work and survival. John Updike said:
 

 

“If men do not keep on speaking terms with children, they cease to be men, and become merely machines for eating and for earning money” — John Updike

John Updike seems to be arguing that maintaining a connection with one’s inner childlike qualities and spirit is important for remaining truly human. His point appears to be that if adults only focus on material pursuits like working and earning money, without also nurturing their sense of wonder, playfulness and ability to see things from a child’s point of view, they risk losing their humanity and becoming like soulless machines single-mindedly dedicated to consumption and productivity.

Updike suggests adults need to continue engaging with children through play, conversation and simply spending time together in order to retain their compassion, imagination and appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. The quote conveys his view that keeping in touch with one’s inner child is essential for avoiding emotional and spiritual stagnation.

Birthday: March 18, 1932 – Death: January 27, 2009

John Updike: Whatever It Cost

John Updike Money Quote saying U.S. citizens have been brainwashed into preferring novelty, regardless of cost. John Updike said:
 

 

“Americans have been conditioned to respect newness, whatever it cost them” — John Updike

In this quote, John Updike seems to be criticizing aspects of American consumer culture and prioritization of novelty. By stating Americans have been “conditioned to respect newness, whatever it cost them”, Updike implies that U.S. society promotes valuing the latest products, trends and technologies even if they come at a high financial or environmental price.

The quote conveys Updike’s perspective that Americans are socialized from a young age to covet what is new and cutting-edge regardless of the true value or cost-benefit analysis of constantly replacing items that still function with their latest iterations.

Overall, Updike appears to be arguing this conditioning encourages wastefulness, as Americans are programmed to desire the newest experiences and possessions without fully considering trade-offs associated with the pace of consumption and discarding older, but still viable, goods simply because they are no longer novel.

Birthday: March 18, 1932 – Death: January 27, 2009

John Updike: Enough Sexual Currency

John Updike Funny Money Quote saying we’re never satisfied when it comes to money, which is much the same as some people’s sexual appetite. John Updike said:
 

 

“Sex is like money; only too much is enough” — John Updike

Updike seems to be playing with words to convey an observation about sexuality. The quote references the well-known phrase “only too much is enough”, which implies satisfaction can come from excess. However, Updike substitutes “sex” for “money” in the saying. This suggests that like money, one can have too much of a good thing when it comes to sex.

Updike appears to be acknowledging that sexuality is a natural human desire when enjoyed in moderation. But he implies that an overabundance can diminish its appeal or meaningfulness in a relationship, just as too much focus on financial accumulation fails to lead to happiness.

In essence, the message is that moderation is important to truly appreciate intimacy, family and life’s deeper fulfillments – much like balance is needed to enjoy the benefits of wealth without being consumed by its pursuit.

Birthday: March 18, 1932 – Death: January 27, 2009