Skip to content

I'm nomadic. Even when I'm a visiting professor here at…

“I'm nomadic. Even when I'm a visiting professor here at the City University of Hong Kong, in this campus flat, I'm constantly getting up, sitting down, picking this or that up. You can't do that and be a writer. You need to be able to sit still.” quote by Shirley Geok-lin Lim
Download Open image
“I'm nomadic. Even when I'm a visiting professor here at the City University of Hong Kong, in this campus flat, I'm constantly getting up, sitting down, picking this or that up. You can't do that and be a writer. You need to be able to sit still.”

Shirley Geok-lin Lim

About This Quote

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

Constant movement disrupts the deep focus required for writing; sustained stillness is essential for creative work.

In simple terms: Writing needs stillness; movement hinders focus.

Key Takeaway

Find a quiet, stable space to write.

Themes

creativity focus discipline

Mood

reflective determined

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic life
  • remote work
  • creative writing
  • traveling scholars

Key Concepts

mindfulness attention environment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance mobility with the need for concentration?
  • What routines help you settle into focused work?
A Different Perspective

If you thrive on movement, stillness may feel restrictive and limit inspiration.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Shirley Geok-lin Lim

Explore all 137 Shirley Geok-lin Lim quotes

More Able quotes

Browse all 17,257 Able quotes