Meaning: This quote by Thomas Keneally, the acclaimed Australian novelist, offers a glimpse into the formative influences that shaped his worldview and writing. The quote reflects Keneally's introspective and philosophical approach to life and art, touching upon themes of individuality, belief, and the transformative potential of language. To fully understand the depth and implications of this quote, it is essential to delve into Keneally's background and explore the broader literary and philosophical concepts it encompasses.

Thomas Keneally is renowned for his richly detailed historical fiction and non-fiction works that often grapple with profound moral and ethical questions. His most famous novel, "Schindler's List," which was later adapted into an award-winning film by Steven Spielberg, is a testament to his ability to weave powerful narratives that resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level. Keneally's writing is characterized by meticulous research, empathetic characterizations, and a keen awareness of the complexities of human nature.

The quote in question sheds light on Keneally's early years and the peculiarities that set him apart as a child. His self-identification as a "weird eccentric kid" suggests a sense of otherness, an outsider perspective that would later inform his writing and his unique voice as a storyteller. This acknowledgment of his youthful idiosyncrasies hints at the source of his creativity and originality, emphasizing the value of embracing one's individuality and unconventional traits.

Moreover, Keneally's reference to "the power of the word" alludes to the profound impact of language and storytelling. As a novelist, he understands the potency of words in shaping perceptions, evoking emotions, and conveying complex ideas. The phrase "the word being made flesh" echoes the biblical concept from the Gospel of John, where the divine Logos is incarnated in human form as Jesus Christ. In Keneally's secular context, this notion may signify the tangible and transformative nature of language, how words can materialize into vivid, immersive narratives that resonate with readers in a deeply personal way.

Keneally's introspective musings on the origins of his beliefs and temperament offer a glimpse into the inner workings of a writer's mind. His acknowledgment of the interplay between inherent disposition and upbringing underscores the intricate interplay of nature and nurture in shaping an individual's worldview and creative endeavors. This self-awareness is a hallmark of Keneally's writing, as he often delves into the complexities of human psychology and the moral dilemmas that confront his characters.

In the broader literary and philosophical context, Keneally's quote resonates with the existentialist notion of individual authenticity and the power of language to give form to our innermost thoughts and emotions. Existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, freedom, and the creation of meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Keneally's reflection on the "power of the word" aligns with this existentialist emphasis on individual expression and the search for significance in the face of life's uncertainties.

Furthermore, the quote invites contemplation on the relationship between art and reality, as Keneally hints at the act of "the word being made flesh." This concept echoes the idea of literature as a form of embodiment, where abstract ideas and emotions are given concrete form through the medium of language. In this sense, Keneally's words evoke the transformative potential of storytelling, how narratives have the capacity to transport readers into different worlds, provoke empathy, and illuminate the human experience.

In conclusion, Thomas Keneally's quote offers a profound insight into the formative influences that underpin his creative vision, touching upon themes of individuality, the transformative power of language, and the interplay of temperament and upbringing in shaping one's beliefs. By examining Keneally's background and the broader literary and philosophical concepts encapsulated in this quote, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of personal experience, language, and storytelling in the work of this esteemed novelist.