Adversary Quote by Eudora Welty
““I didn't hit other people or hit purposefully, I just hit. Some object would be at fault. My anger was at myself, every time, all vanity. As an adolescent I was a slammer of drawers and a packer of suitcases. I was responsible for scenes. Control came imperfectly to all of us: we reached it at different times of life, frustrated, shot into indignation, by different things - some that are grown out of, and others not. Of all my strong emotions, anger is the one least responsible for any of my work. I don't write out of anger. For one thing, simply as a fiction writer, I am minus an adversary - except, of course, that of time - and for another thing, the act of writing in itself brings me happiness.””
About This Quote
The author reflects that anger is directed inward, not a source of creative drive, and that writing brings happiness rather than serving as an outlet for rage.
In simple terms: Anger is self‑directed and not his for writing.
Recognize the true motivations behind your work.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- creative workshops
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions truly fuel your creativity?
- Can you separate personal feelings from artistic output?
Anger can still influence work indirectly, even if not acknowledged.