Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
I went to Goucher College in Maryland for the best possible reasons - to learn - but then I dropped out at 19 for the best possible reasons - to become a writer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea that the pursuit of one's passion may sometimes require stepping away from conventional paths.
Anne Lamott's quote emphasizes the importance of following one's true calling, even if it means abandoning traditional educational routes. She highlights that her decision to drop out of college was driven by a sincere desire to learn and grow as a writer, underscoring the belief that practical experience and personal passion can be more valuable than formal education.
Themes
EducationPassionWritingLearningPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of pursuing one's dreams over traditional expectations.
More from Anne Lamott
All quotes →Or you might shout at the top of your lungs or whisper into your sleeve, "I hate you, God." That is a prayer too, because it is real, it is truth, and maybe it is the first sincere thought you've had in months.
Anne LamottRead
Your problem is how you are going to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.
Anne LamottRead
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
Anne LamottRead
Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, "Well, that's pretty much what I thought I'd see," you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. [...] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.
Anne LamottRead
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Anne LamottRead
Similar quotes
Read. Travel. Read. Ask. Read. Learn. Read. Connect. Read.
Dr. SeussRead
Writing/reading is like visiting another person's brain. And a short book or article is like a short stay. You come in, have a coffee, talk about the weather or sports, and then move on.
Mark MansonRead
I think that a lot of people in all walks of life have the impression, of course, that, 'I specialize in something. I can't - I don't have the time to read other things. I'll just go to pure entertainment when I'm relaxing, and then I'll come back to my pure specialty.' That produces - that attitude produces idiot savants, unfortunately.
Robert J. ShillerRead
We've found that service learning builds life skills, leadership and a sense of global citizenship that makes helping a lifelong habit.
Craig KielburgerRead
Having the freedom to read and the freedom to choose is one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me.
Judy BlumeRead
I became a journalist because I didn't want to have to rely on the press for information... I only read it to make sure of whatever everyone else thinks is going on, because it's useful to know what people think is the news.
Christopher HitchensRead