To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed.
Joan DidionRead
The impulse to write things down is a peculiarly compulsive one, inexplicable to those who do not share it, useful only accidentally, only secondarily, in the way that any compulsion tries to justify itself. I suppose that it begins or does not begin in the cradle.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing is an instinctive urge that may seem irrational to outsiders but serves a deeper purpose for those who feel compelled to do it.
Joan Didion's quote explores the inherent drive to write that some individuals experience, framing it as almost a compulsion that is difficult to explain to those who do not share this passion. She reflects on how this urge appears to start from a very early age and suggests that, while it may not have immediate utility, it holds intrinsic value for the writer, revealing the deep connection between the act of writing and the human experience.
Themes
WritingCompulsionExpressionCreativityArt
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about creative writing, one might use this quote to illustrate the compulsive nature of writing.
More from Joan Didion
All quotes →The truth is, it's easier for me to write than talk... to express the state I'm in at any time.
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