I'm a big believer in pairing classics with contemporary literature, so students have the opportunity to see that literature is not a cold, dead thing that happened once but instead a vibrant mode of storytelling that's been with us a long time - and will be with us, I hope, for a long time to come.

The quote by John Green, a well-known author of contemporary young adult literature, reflects his belief in the importance of pairing classics with contemporary literature in education. Green emphasizes that literature should not be seen as a distant or irrelevant subject, something from the past with no connection to modern life. Instead, he advocates for a dynamic view of literature, seeing it as a vibrant and evolving form of storytelling that continues to shape our understanding of the world. By combining the old with the new, students can recognize the enduring relevance of literature.

Green’s perspective highlights the idea that literature is not confined to a single time period but is a living tradition that evolves and adapts to the needs of each generation. By reading both classics and contemporary works, students can see the continuity of human experience, where themes, ideas, and stories are reinterpreted and reimagined in different contexts. This approach fosters an appreciation for literature's ability to transcend time, offering timeless insights while remaining relevant to current issues.

The origin of the quote comes from Green’s role as a teacher and writer who has worked to make literature more accessible and engaging for students, especially in the young adult genre. He often encourages readers to see literature as a tool for exploration and reflection, one that spans both the past and the present. Green himself blends classic literary influences with contemporary storytelling in his novels, making this belief a reflection of his own approach to writing.

In essence, Green’s quote underscores the continuity and vibrancy of literature, showing that it is not just an academic subject or a static body of work but an ongoing conversation between the past and present. By pairing classics with modern works, we can demonstrate how literature remains an essential part of human culture, constantly evolving and influencing the way we understand ourselves and the world around us.