Oddly enough, my favorite genre is not fiction. I'm attracted by primary sources that are relevant to historical questions of interest to me, by famous old books on philosophy or theology that I want to see with my own eyes, by essays on contemporary science, by the literatures of antiquity.

In this quote, Marilynne Robinson expresses a deep intellectual affinity for non-fiction, particularly primary sources, rather than being drawn to fiction, which is often assumed to be the preference of novelists like herself. Her remark—"Oddly enough, my favorite genre is not fiction"—suggests a kind of self-aware surprise, as she acknowledges an unexpected personal truth. Robinson, known for her contemplative and theologically rich novels, reveals that her inspiration and intellectual satisfaction often come from works rooted in historical, philosophical, and scientific discourse.

She emphasizes a strong connection to primary sources, the original materials that inform historical questions. These include famous old books on philosophy and theology, which she values not just for their content, but for the opportunity to encounter them "with my own eyes." This phrase reveals a desire for direct engagement with foundational texts—untouched by interpretation or mediation. Her approach reflects a scholarly mindset that seeks truth and insight from the origins of thought and tradition.

Robinson also mentions her interest in essays on contemporary science, showing that her intellectual curiosity is not only historical but also modern. This suggests a holistic engagement with the human search for meaning—from antiquity to the present. Her appreciation of the literatures of antiquity further highlights her interest in timeless questions of existence, ethics, and the human condition. These ancient texts, alongside current scientific thought, form the intellectual landscape she most enjoys exploring.

The origin of the quote lies in Robinson's broader body of work and public commentary, where she often blends her roles as a novelist, essayist, and thinker. Her love for rigorous, often spiritual or moral inquiry is evident in both her fiction and non-fiction. This quote reveals that her literary world is nourished less by imagination alone and more by a pursuit of enduring truths through philosophical, theological, and historical exploration.