Opposing Viewpoints
September 6th, 2006 at 5:51 pm (Daily Life)
We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to.
- W. Somerset Maugham
This is funny, because I always told myself I should write in a blog because I want to, not because I have to, which stifles spontaneity and creativity and inspiration in my opinion. Joan Didion expresses a similar sentiment in Slouching to Bethlehem. But I think I can see where Maugham is coming from. I think he means to say that the observation of life compels us to write, making us feel like we have to write or else we will lose that burst of thought in the moment. Perhaps he means that we have to write to utilize the power of words to expose, explain, open minds.
I love how I love to write when it has nothing to do with school.
Ariel said,
September 6, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Weird, school started for me today, almost the same day as you if not the same.
I know exactly what you mean; seems like what you said and what he said are just two sides of the same coin, paradoxical as that may seem. Sometimes I get the spark…but if I wait, it disappears.
Hydora said,
September 7, 2006 at 10:32 am
I get that feeling alot; people need an outlet for their feelings unless your’rea hermit. But most of the time, I just let that moment of ‘inspiration’ pass and I forget it.
Tina said,
September 12, 2006 at 8:38 pm
I was actually just thinking about that right now.
Sometimes you’re thinking and you get this really great idea for something to write about or you have this sentence that just flows so perfectly, and if you don’t write it down immediately, it’ll go away and never come back.