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Bits Quote by Lewis Thomas

“Although I usually think I know what I'm going to be writing about, what I'm going to say, most of the time it doesn't happen that way at all. At some point I get misled down a garden path, I get surprised by an idea that I hadn't anticipated getting, which is a little bit like being in a…” quote by Lewis Thomas
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“Although I usually think I know what I'm going to be writing about, what I'm going to say, most of the time it doesn't happen that way at all. At some point I get misled down a garden path, I get surprised by an idea that I hadn't anticipated getting, which is a little bit like being in a laboratory.”

Lewis Thomas

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Medusa and the Snail, 1970

Writers often plan topics, yet unexpected ideas can arise, redirecting thoughts like a lab experiment.

In simple terms: Plans change when new ideas appear.

Key Takeaway

Embrace surprise in writing.

Themes

creativity uncertainty discovery

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • brainstorming
  • creative workshops
  • research projects

Key Concepts

cognitive flexibility serendipity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you capture sudden ideas?
  • What habits keep you flexible?
A Different Perspective

Unexpected ideas may derail deadlines if not managed.

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