“Writing is a concentrated form of thinking. I don’t know what I think about certain subjects, even today, until I sit down and try to write about them. Maybe I wanted to find more rigorous ways of thinking. We’re talking now about the earliest writing I did and about the power of language to counteract the wallow of late adolescence, to define things, define muddled experience in economical ways. Let’s not forget that writing is convenient. It requires the simplest tools. A young writer sees that with words and sentences on a piece of paper that costs less than a penny he can place himself more clearly in the world. Words on a page, that’s all it takes to help him separate himself from the forces around him, streets and people and pressures and feelings. He learns to think about these things, to ride his own sentences into new perceptions.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Don DeLillo, the author emphasizes the close relationship between writing and thinking. He suggests that writing serves as a tool for clarifying one's thoughts and understanding of various subjects. DeLillo highlights how the act of writing enables a writer to not only define their experiences but also to engage in more rigorous forms of thinking. By putting thoughts on paper, a writer can create a sense of clarity and separation from the world around them, allowing them to gain new perspectives and insights. DeLillo also underscores the accessibility and convenience of writing, noting that all it requires are simple tools and words to help one navigate through the complexities of life. Ultimately, the power of language manifests itself in the ability to shape and mold one's perceptions of the world.
Modern Relevance:
In a world where distractions are plentiful and our thoughts are often scattered, Don DeLillo's words on writing as a tool for clarifying and organizing our thoughts hold true today more than ever. The idea that writing serves as a concentrated form of thinking, allowing us to define and make sense of our experiences, remains a powerful truth in the age of information overload. Through the act of writing, we can not only express ourselves but also gain new insights and navigate the complexities of our world.
Examples of Usage
In this insightful quote by Don DeLillo, he emphasizes the powerful connection between writing and thinking. According to him, writing allows for a more rigorous exploration of one's thoughts and experiences, enabling the writer to clarify their perceptions and define their world in a more concise and effective manner. DeLillo also highlights the convenience of writing as a tool for self-expression, emphasizing its simplicity and accessibility as a means of navigating the complexities of adolescence and understanding one's place in the world.
Reflection Questions
Don DeLillo highlights the power of writing as a tool for thinking and self-discovery. Consider the following questions to reflect on your own experiences with writing and how it has shaped your understanding of the world around you:
How has writing helped you to clarify your thoughts and make sense of complex ideas or experiences?
In what ways has writing provided you with a sense of control or agency in navigating the challenges of late adolescence or other difficult periods in your life?
Have you ever experienced a shift in perspective or gained new insights through the act of writing and revising your own work?
How do you see writing as a means of self-expression and self-discovery, allowing you to define your own experiences in your own terms?
Consider the idea that writing requires only the simplest tools. How does this accessibility of writing empower you to articulate your thoughts and navigate the world around you?
Reflect on the notion of riding your own sentences into new perceptions. In what ways has writing enabled you to explore new ideas, challenge your assumptions, and grow as a thinker and communicator?
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