Cement Quote by Janet Frame
“...When our thoughts revolve we are so often deceived into supposing that their violent movement is an indication of their vigorous originality, the upheaval of prejudice and fixed ideas, when all the time it is more likely that the machine which contains them is only an elaborate cement-mixer, and when the thinking is finished, those whirling thoughts are smoothed into the unchanged conventional mould and seeing them set solid enough to dance, to build, to travel upon, we would never dream of their first deceit, of the hope once roused by their apparently violent reorganisation...”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Angel at My Table, Janet Frame, 1970
Thoughts can appear dynamic but often become conventional after reflection, revealing hidden deception.
In simple terms: Thoughts seem lively but may become ordinary.
Key Takeaway
Question the originality of your ideas.
Themes
thinking
creativity
prejudice
conformity
illusion
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing
- debate
- problem solving
- creative work
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
mental habits
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you notice patterns in your thinking?
- How can you maintain genuine originality?
A Different Perspective
Originality may be limited by unconscious habits.
