Doe Quote by John Ashbery
“One can lose a good idea by not writing it down, yet by losing it one can have it: it nourishes other asides it knows nothing of, would not recognize itself in, yet when the negotiations are terminated, speaks in the acts of that progenitor, and does recognize itself, is grateful for not having done so earlier.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Lost Idea,” John Ashbery, 1976
Ideas can slip away if not recorded, yet the loss can inspire new thoughts that later recognize and appreciate the original insight.
In simple terms: Writing ideas preserves them; loss can spark new insight.
Key Takeaway
Write down ideas promptly.
Themes
creativity
memory
reflection
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- artistic creation
- journaling
Key Concepts
idea generation
writing
cognitive process
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you capture fleeting thoughts?
- What value does forgetting have?
A Different Perspective
Not all lost ideas are recoverable; some may be forgotten forever.
