Writer Quote by Brian Massumi
““Take joy in your digressions. Because that is where the unexpected arises. That is the experimental aspect. If you know where you will end up when you begin, nothing has happened in the meantime. You have to be willing to surprise yourself writing things you didn't think you thought. Letting examples burgeon requires using inattention as a writing tool. You have to let yourself get so caught up in the flow of your writing that it ceases at moments to be recognizable to you as your own. This means you have to be prepared for failure. For with inattention comes risk: of silliness or even outbreaks of stupidity. But perhaps in order to write experimentally, you have to be willing to 'affirm' even your own stupidity. Embracing one's own stupidity is not the prevailing academic posture (at least not in the way I mean it here).””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Experimental Writer, 2019
Embracing digressions and inattention opens space for surprise, risk, and creative breakthroughs, even if it feels foolish.
In simple terms: Allow wandering thoughts to guide writing, accepting failure and silliness.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and let unexpected ideas emerge.
Themes
creativity
risk
digression
experimental writing
failure
stupidity
Mood
playful
reflective
challenging
Type
advice
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- personal journaling
- academic research
- brainstorming sessions
- novel drafting
Key Concepts
postmodernism
process theory
cognitive looseness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance structure with spontaneous digression?
- When does inattention become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Risk of losing focus may dilute clarity and purpose.
