Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
I do not aim with my hand; he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I aim with my eye. I do not shoot with my hand; he who shoots with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I shoot with my mind. I do not kill with my gun; he who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father. I kill with my heart.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of emotional and mental focus rather than relying solely on physical strength or weaponry.
In this quote, Stephen King illustrates that true mastery and intention in one's actions go beyond the physical act of aiming or shooting. Instead, it suggests that a deep, intrinsic connection to one's values and emotions, represented by 'the face of his father,' is crucial. It conveys the idea that when we engage in our pursuits—whether aiming, shooting, or killing—we must do so with a sense of purpose, thoughtfulness, and a moral compass that guides our actions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about mental focus in sports, this quote can inspire athletes to connect deeply with their motivations.
More from Stephen King
All quotes →Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.
Hairstyles change, and skirt lengths, and slang, but high school administrations? Never.
Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
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