Casual Quote by Nicholson Baker
“Sometimes I'll spend an hour writing a tiny email. I work on it until I've created the illusion that I've dashed it off in three minutes. If I make a typo, I let it stand. Sometimes in fact I correct the typo without thinking, and then I back up and retype the typo so that it'll look more casual. I don't know why.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Art of the Email" by Nicholson Baker, 2005
The writer over‑polishes trivial messages to create a false impression of effortlessness, revealing anxiety about authenticity and appearance.
In simple terms: People over‑edit simple tasks to seem effortless.
Key Takeaway
Embrace honest, efficient communication.
Themes
authenticity
communication
anxiety
perfectionism
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- work emails
- personal messaging
- social media posts
- client correspondence
Key Concepts
self‑presentation
cognitive dissonance
impression management
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we feel the need to appear effortless?
- How does this habit affect productivity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can waste time and increase stress.
