I imagined I had discovered a new word. I rise up in bed…
![“I imagined I had discovered a new word. I rise up in bed and say, "It is not in the language; I have discovered it. 'Kuboa.' It has letters as a word has. By the benign God, Man you have discovered a word!... 'Kuboa' ... a word of profound import. [...] Some minutes pass over, and I wax nervous…” quote by Knut Hamsun](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/bd0/knut-hamsun-1203_language_i-imagined-i-had-discovered-a-new-word-i_170312.png)
““I imagined I had discovered a new word. I rise up in bed and say, "It is not in the language; I have discovered it. 'Kuboa.' It has letters as a word has. By the benign God, Man you have discovered a word!... 'Kuboa' ... a word of profound import. [...] Some minutes pass over, and I wax nervous; this new word torments me unceasingly, returns again and again, takes up my thoughts, and makes me serious. I had fully formed an opinion as to what it should not signify, but had come to no conclusion as to what it should signify. [...] Then it seems to me that some one is interposing, interrupting my confab. I answer angrily, "Beg pardon! You match in idiocy is not to be found; no, sir! Knitting cotton? Ah! go to hell!" Well, really I had to laugh. Might I ask why should I be forced to let it signify knitting cotton, when I had a special dislike to its signifying knitting cotton?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A writer wrestles with the obsession of inventing a new word, illustrating the tension between creative imagination and the need for meaning.
In simple terms: Struggle with a made‑up word and its meaning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity but allow flexibility in interpretation.
Themes
creativity
language
identity
obsession
meaning
Mood
conflicted
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- brainstorming
- intellectual exploration
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
linguistics
philosophy
psychology
artistic process
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the invented word represent for you?
- When does creative obsession become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
The fixation may hinder productivity and cause unnecessary anxiety.