I didn't hit other people or hit purposefully, I just hit…
““I didn't hit other people or hit purposefully, I just hit. Some object would be at fault. My anger was at myself, every time, all vanity. As an adolescent I was a slammer of drawers and a packer of suitcases. I was responsible for scenes. Control came imperfectly to all of us: we reached it at different times of life, frustrated, shot into indignation, by different things - some that are grown out of, and others not. Of all my strong emotions, anger is the one least responsible for any of my work. I don't write out of anger. For one thing, simply as a fiction writer, I am minus an adversary - except, of course, that of time - and for another thing, the act of writing in itself brings me happiness.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author reflects that anger is directed inward, not a source of creative drive, and that writing brings happiness rather than serving as an outlet for rage.
In simple terms: Anger is self‑directed and not his for writing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the true motivations behind your work.
Themes
self‑reflection
creativity
emotion
writing
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- creative workshops
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
psychology
literature
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions truly fuel your creativity?
- Can you separate personal feelings from artistic output?
A Different Perspective
Anger can still influence work indirectly, even if not acknowledged.