Vow of silence Quote by L.E. Sissman
““The serious writer must take serious vows…a vow of silence, except through his work. A vow of consistency, sticking with writing to the exclusion of other fields. A vow of ego-chastity, abstaining from adulation. A vow of self-regard, placing the self as writer before the self as personality.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Serious Writer” by L.E. Sissman, 1975
A writer must commit to silence, consistency, humility, and self‑prioritization of the craft over personal ego.
In simple terms: Writers need discipline and humility.
Key Takeaway
Embrace disciplined, ego‑free writing.
Themes
discipline
humility
creativity
self‑sacrifice
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing practice
- academic research
- personal journaling
- creative retreats
Key Concepts
ego‑chastity
self‑regard
consistency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance creative focus with personal well‑being?
- What sacrifices are healthy for artistic growth?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting other life areas can cause isolation.
