Cold weather Quote by Donald Barthelme
““I wanted to say a certain thing to a certain man, a certain true thing that had crept into my head. I opened my head, at the place provided, and proceeded to pronounce the true thing that lay languishing there—that is, proceeded to propel that trueness, that felicitous trularity, from its place inside my head out into world life. The certain man stood waiting to receive it. His face reflected an eager accepting-ness. Everything was right. I propelled, using my mind, my mouth, all my muscles. I propelled. I propelled and propelled. I felt trularity inside my head moving slowly through the passage provided (stained like the caves of Lascaux with garlic, antihistamines, Berloiz, a history, a history) toward its debut on the world stage. Past my teeth, with their little brown sweaters knitted of gin and cigar smoke, toward its leap to critical scrutiny. Past my lips, with their tendency to flake away in cold weather—””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Sixty Stories by Donald Barthelme, 1981
The speaker describes the intense, almost ritualistic process of expressing an inner truth to a receptive listener, emphasizing the physical and mental effort involved.
In simple terms: Sharing a deep truth feels like a physical act of propulsion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor the effort of expressing genuine thoughts.
Themes
expression
communication
creativity
intimacy
Mood
introspective
hopeful
determined
Type
literary
philosophical
personal
When to use this quote
- personal conversations
- public speaking
- writing
- therapy
- teaching
Key Concepts
psychology
artistic process
language
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner truths are you hesitating to share?
- How does the listener’s reception affect your willingness to speak?
A Different Perspective
The act may be idealized; real communication can be misunderstood or ignored.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
