Skip to content

I've always thought that the balance between the side of…

“I've always thought that the balance between the side of my mind that knows what it is doing and the side that really hasn't got a clue has to be carefully maintained because if you write too knowingly then you get chilly, and if you write too unknowingly you write bollocks that nobody else can…” quote by Andrew Motion
Download Open image
“I've always thought that the balance between the side of my mind that knows what it is doing and the side that really hasn't got a clue has to be carefully maintained because if you write too knowingly then you get chilly, and if you write too unknowingly you write bollocks that nobody else can understand.”

Andrew Motion

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Balancing conscious control with creative spontaneity prevents forced writing and incoherent output.

In simple terms: Mix control and spontaneity for clear, authentic writing.

Key Takeaway

Find your sweet spot between planning and flow.

Themes

creativity control authenticity

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • daily journaling
  • creative brainstorming
  • editing drafts

Key Concepts

self-awareness cognitive balance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you know when you’re over‑controlling?
  • What signals indicate you’re drifting into nonsense?
A Different Perspective

Too much control can stifle originality; too much freedom can cause incoherence.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Andrew Motion

Explore all 52 Andrew Motion quotes

More Always quotes

Browse all 36,048 Always quotes