Doubt Quote by Maggie Nelson
““It is absurd, Barthes says, to try to flee from language's assertive nature 'adding to each sentence some little phrase of uncertainty, as if anything that came out of language could make language tremble.' My writing is riddled with such tics of uncertainty. I have no excuse or solution, save to allow myself the tremblings, then go back in later and slash them out. In this way I edit myself into a boldness that is neither native nor foreign to me.””
About This Quote
The passage critiques the habit of inserting doubt into statements to soften language’s inherent assertiveness, suggesting that true confidence emerges by confronting and later removing that uncertainty.
In simple terms: Language is inherently assertive; uncertainty is a self‑imposed hesitation.
Key Takeaway
Boldness comes from editing out self‑doubt.
Themes
language theory
self‑editing
confidence
authorial voice
uncertainty
assertiveness
Mood
reflective
determined
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
personal
When to use this quote
- drafting a manuscript
- revising academic prose
- writing personal essays
- crafting speeches
- editing creative fiction
Key Concepts
assertive nature of language
self‑imposed uncertainty
editing process
authorial authenticity
Practical Applications
- self‑editing for confidence
- teaching writers to confront linguistic hesitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does removing uncertainty affect the impact of a text?
- Can embracing boldness ever conflict with honesty?
