Left hand Quote by Margaret Atwood
““the only way you can write the truth is to assume that what you set down will never be read. Not by any other person, and not even by yourself at some later date. Otherwise you begin excusing yourself. You must see the writing as emerging like a long scroll of ink from the index finger of your right hand; you must see your left hand erasing it. Impossible, of course.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Truth of Writing” (source unknown)
Writing truth requires treating words as fleeting, never to be revisited, preventing self‑justification and preserving honesty.
In simple terms: Write as if no one will read it again.
Key Takeaway
Write without expecting future scrutiny.
Themes
honesty
creative process
self‑scrutiny
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- journaling
- creative writing
- academic drafting
Key Concepts
ephemerality
authenticity
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anticipating future readers change your honesty?
- Can you truly detach from your own words?
A Different Perspective
If you later read it, you may rationalize or alter its meaning.
