"I've always liked being relatively obscure. I feel that's where I belong, that's where my work belongs"

Don DeLillo's quote, "I've constantly liked being relatively odd. I feel that's where I belong, that's where my work belongs", reflects a nuanced viewpoint on popularity, recognition, and the imaginative process. At its core, this declaration exposes DeLillo's preference for a life and profession that prioritize substance over spectacle.

When DeLillo mentions "being fairly obscure", he reveals a convenience with not being continuously in the spotlight or commonly recognized in popular culture. Obscurity, in this context, is not a lack of success or impact but rather an intentional option to concentrate on the pureness and authenticity of one's work. For DeLillo, the value of his writing lies not in how broadly it is understood, but in its intrinsic quality and intellectual depth.

By mentioning "I feel that's where I belong", DeLillo aligns his identity closely with this sense of obscurity. It suggests that he discovers authenticity and perhaps even imaginative liberty by running outside the pressures and expectations that included extensive popularity. This self-imposed border allows him to explore complex, sometimes challenging themes without the interference of industrial considerations or public scrutiny.

In addition, "that's where my work belongs" implies that DeLillo sees obscurity as a natural environment for his written works. This may indicate that his writing flourishes on a much deeper or more niche gratitude, resonating more profoundly with a critical audience. It echoes the belief that certain art forms are best appreciated far from the mainstream, where they can keep their originality and provoke thoughtful interpretation.

In essence, DeLillo's quote champs the idea that real artistic fulfillment comes not from mass recognition, however from the capability to produce truly and actively, free from the problems of popularity. For DeLillo, both he and his work discover their truest expression in a state of relative obscurity, where they can exist authentically and be valued for their inherent merit.