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Quote by A. R. Ammons

Work

Set in motion: essays, interviews, and dialogues

This book is a compilation of written and spoken works that delve into a range of topics, offering insights and perspectives on diverse subjects. more

Author

A. R. Ammons
A. R. Ammons

A. R. Ammons was a prominent American poet recognized for his innovative use of free verse and his profound exploration of nature and the natural world. His work frequently reflected on the human experience and the interconnectedness of all things. more

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“Advice to Young Journal Keepers. Be lenient with yourself. Conceal your worst faults, leave out your most shameful thoughts, actions, and temptations. Give yourself all the good and interesting qualities you want and haven't got. If you should die young, what comfort would it be to your relatives to read the truth and have to say: It is not a pearl we have lost, but a swine?”

IfsWantGivingShouldActionYoungDiesLostInterestingQualityWorstAdviceHavensComfortFaultsTemptationJournalPearlsShamefulKeepersDie YoungSwineLenient
Book:Invitation To The Waltz
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“I have decided to keep a record of my inmost real-self thoughts. Perhaps it will help me to find out what I really am like: horrid, I know: selfish, conceited, and material-minded. For instance, lately whenever I've tried to concentrate on anything serious or beautiful, I've started thinking about the Spencers' dance next week. I am ashamed of my pettiness. I'm going to try to do better this year--develop my character more and not always be thinking about enjoying myself. I've always been so happy, I dread disappointment and unhappiness, but they would be good for me. But I don't want them.”

ThinkingKnowsWantTryingYearsRealSelfCharacterHelpingWould BeBeautifulNextEnjoyRecordsWeekSeriousMaterialsDecidedDisappointmentBe GoodSelfishInstanceAshamedHelp MeUnhappinessDreadNext WeekConceitedReal SelfPettiness
Author:Rosamond Lehmann
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“A writer works from the material she has, but it comes from the unconscious. Everything is stored up and one never knows what comes up to the surface at a given moment. A period of gestation is certainly needed, what Wordsworth called ‘emotion recollected in tranquility.’ You cannot write about an experience when you are living it, suffering it. You are too busy surviving to look at it objectively. At least I can’t.”

KnowsWritingLooksI CanMomentsSufferingGivenEmotionMaterialsNeededPeriodsBusyCome UpSurfaceUnconsciousTranquilitySurvivingToo BusyWordsworthGestationGestation Period
Author:Rosamond Lehmann
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