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Says I to myself” should be the motto of my journal. It is…

“Says I to myself” should be the motto of my journal. It is fatal to the writer to be too much possessed by his thought. Things must lie a little remote to be described.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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““Says I to myself” should be the motto of my journal. It is fatal to the writer to be too much possessed by his thought. Things must lie a little remote to be described.””

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

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

Writers need emotional distance from their thoughts to observe and describe them clearly.

In simple terms: Stay slightly detached to write well.

Key Takeaway

Create space between mind and words.

Themes

creativity self‑awareness writing

Mood

contemplative reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • journaling
  • creative writing
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

mindfulness observation detachment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance intimacy and objectivity in writing?
  • What distance helps you see truth?
A Different Perspective

Too much distance can stifle emotional honesty.

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