"I was already devouring literature and I was the ripe old age of 15 when I decided to be an actor. I just thought plays were the most fantastic way of expressing life. I thought I'd discovered Shakespeare - 'hey, there's a new guy in town, don't know if anyone's read him.' I was just excited about the whole thing, from day one"
- Chiwetel Ejiofor
About this Quote
Chiwetel Ejiofor's quote shows the early, passionate connection he felt toward literature and acting, a connection that began at the age of 15. Through this declaration, he conveys a sense of vibrant interest and a blossoming love for the remarkable arts. By explaining how he was "devouring literature", Ejiofor shows his starved appetite for stories and the composed word, recommending a deep intellectual curiosity and a desire to absorb understanding and immerse himself in various stories.
Ejiofor's remark about thinking he 'd "discovered Shakespeare" humorously illustrates the innocent arrogance frequently found in youthful discoveries. His phrasing "hey, there's a brand-new guy in the area, do not know if anyone's read him" reflects both his excitement and the classic nature of Shakespeare's work; though it is centuries old, it still feels fresh and innovative to each new reader or actor who experiences it.
His interest is more captured in his statement that plays are "the most great method of expressing life". This exposes Ejiofor's early acknowledgment of theatre as not just home entertainment, however a profound medium for exploring and sharing the human experience.
In general, the quote encapsulates Ejiofor's early wholehearted accept of the arts, a passion that became the foundation for his prominent acting profession. It hints at the intoxicating blend of discovery, innocence, and excitement that marks the developmental years of any artist.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"