I see manuscripts and books that are spoiled for the literary reader because they are one long stream of top-of-the-head writing, a writer telling a story without concern for precision or freshness in the use of language. Some of this storytelling reads as if it were spoken rather than written, stuffed with tired images that pop into the writer's head because they are so familiar. The top of the head is fit for growing hair, but not for generating fine prose.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of precision in writing and the avoidance of clichéd expressions.
Sol Stein critiques the quality of writing that lacks thoughtfulness and originality, suggesting that successful prose requires more than just spontaneous ideas. He argues that good writing should avoid tired clichés and strive for fresh, precise language that engages the reader more effectively, rather than merely rambling in a casual, unrefined manner.
In practice
This quote can be used in a writing workshop to encourage participants to focus on originality.
In the 1970s, what I, as a young foreign student studying in the United States, found most dynamic, exciting and impressive about this country is what much of the world continues to value most about the U.S. today: its open intellectual culture, its great universities, its capacity for discovery and innovation.
Policies to strengthen education and training, to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and to promote capital investment, both public and private, could all potentially be of great benefit in improving future living standards in our nation.
Most people involved in the delivery of history, in universities, publishing, museums and the heritage industry, are aware that we have a problem with diversity and inclusivity.
Look at any country that's plagued with poverty, disease or violence; the antidote is girls. Girls are the antibodies to many of society's ills.
A treatment method or an educational method that will work for one child may not work for another child. The one common denominator for all of the young children is that early intervention does work, and it seems to improve the prognosis.
Sadly, children's passion for thinking often ends when they encounter a world that seeks to educate them for conformity and obedience only.
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