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Quote of the Day: Wrong Side of the Tracks
“For, in America, most of us begin on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. The meaning of America, what made it the wonder of history and the hope of mankind, was that we were free not to stay on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. If within us there was something that empowered us to grow, we were free to grow where we could.” — Whittaker Chambers, Witness
I recently finished reading Whittaker Chambers’s 1952 autobiography Witness for the first time. At just under 800 pages, it was a bit of a slog in a few places, but most of it captured a fascinating time in American history and the remarkable story of a man who went from an active follower of communism to its fearless opponent. I thought these lines, near the end of the book, are ones that should be used more today.
Published in Group Writing
Some of us had the railroad tracks behind our back yard.
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As did I.
I started reading Witness a while ago but got bogged down about two thirds through. You have encouraged me to pick it up and finish it.
As for being naturally from the right side of the tracks:
[emphasis added]
(P.S. I have 14 pages of notes from my reading back in 2015. I can come back to this all day…)
It had its highs and lows, but I’m happy I didn’t give up.
Once I start a book, I hate not finishing it. I remember years ago trying to read Joseph Heller’s Something Happened. I had to stop because nothing happened.
Yes, but having read it once or twice, I now listen to Catch 22 about once a year.
More reference to those who come from the right side of the tracks:
[No added emphasis required…that is wonderfully perfect in its entirety.]
You will see those “best people” all over CNN and MSNBC and littered among the vocal Anti-Trump minions.
Some of the best parts were when Hiss was testifying before HUAC and the Grand Jury and the verbal and mental gymnastics he had to use to avoid telling the truth.
As I said, I have notes:
Three houses and across a street away for me. 😁
That was exactly my thought upon reading your quote. They were pro-Hiss, but would be anti-Trump. He’s just so icky, dahling!
Thanks, @oldphil. Good quotation.
Just started it the other day. It is not only autobiography and history, but literature of the highest order. Beautiful!
I have long considered Witness to be the finest autobiography I have ever read. I do not, however, agree with his conclusion that he was ultimately on the losing side of History.
This thread has encouraged me to start it again. I don’t remember why I put it down but I should move it near to the top of my list.
I lived on one side of the tracks and walked to school on the other side of the tracks. I have never been able to figure out if I lived on the wrong side or the school was on the wrong side of the tracks. ;-)