Balls Quote by John Updike
“The difficulty is, all swing thoughts decay, like radium. What burnt up the course on Wednesday has turned to lead on Sunday. Yet it does not do to have a blank mind: the terrible hugeness of the course will rush into the vacuum and the ball will spray like a thing berserk.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Rabbit, Run by John Updike, 1960
Thoughts decay over time, and a once‑vivid mind can become empty, allowing chaos to fill the void.
In simple terms: Ideas fade, leaving space for disorder.
Key Takeaway
Keep your mind engaged to avoid mental decay.
Themes
creativity
decay
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- meditation
- problem solving
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep your mind active?
- What fills your mental void?
A Different Perspective
An empty mind can invite harmful thoughts.
![“I never had any thought the whole week. I figured my caddie [Jerry Beard] knew the course a lot better than me, so I put out my hand and played whatever club he put in it. I'd say, "How hard do I hit it?" He'd tell me and I'd swing. The guys who come down here once a year and try to get smart with…” quote by Fuzzy Zoeller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a6/fuzzy-zoeller-12948_beard_i-never-had-any-thought-the-whole-week-i_2910543.jpg)
