The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea.
Thomas MannRead
Order and simplification are the first steps toward the mastery of a subject.
Interpretation
Organizing and simplifying information is essential for understanding a complex topic.
This quote by Thomas Mann emphasizes the importance of order and simplification in learning. It suggests that before one can truly master any subject, they must first break it down into manageable components and organize it in a clear manner, thereby making the learning process more effective and understandable.
In practice
In a presentation about a complex topic, I might say, 'As Thomas Mann noted, order and simplification are key to mastering intricate subjects.'
The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea.
Stupid — well, there are so many kinds of stupidity, and cleverness is one of the worst.
It is a strange fact that freedom and equality, the two basic ideas of democracy, are to some extent contradictory. Logically considered, freedom and equality are mutually exclusive, just as society and the individual are mutually exclusive.
I tell them that if they will occupy themselves with the study of mathematics they will find in it the best remedy against the lusts of the flesh.
Literature... is the union of suffering with the instinct for form.
The Freudian theory is one of the most important foundation stones for an edifice to be built by future generations, the dwelling of a freer and wiser humanity.
I read Carver. Julio Cortázar. Amis's essays. Baldwin. Lorrie Moore. Capote. Saramago. Larkin. Wodehouse. Anything, anything at all, that doesn't sound like me.
Third, for people who aren't doing it already, take classes - they're worthwhile. Workshops or classes - a workshop is where you do actually get feedback on your work, not just something where you go and sit for a day.
Boosting education will be a direct counterbalance to Boko Haram's appeal. In particular we must educate more young girls, ensuring they will grow up to be empowered through learning to play their full part as citizens of Nigeria and pull themselves up and out of poverty.
My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water.
Be ruthless about protecting writing days, i.e., do not cave in to endless requests to have "essential" and "long overdue" meetings on those days.
I had a lot of really terrible advice early in my writing career, and I cheesed off people without even knowing it, all the while thinking I was implementing good advice. Well, what can you do about it? Next.
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