Assuming Quote by Richard Hugo
“...an imagined town is at least as real as an actual town. If it isn't, you may be in the wrong business. Our words come from obsessions we must submit to, whatever the social cost. It can be hard. It can be worse forty years from now if you feel you could have done it and didn't. It is narcissistic, vain, egotistical, unrealistic, selfish, and hateful to assume emotional ownership of a town or a word. It is also essential.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Town and the Word", 1970s collection of poems
Imagining a town can be as vivid as reality, but obsession with ownership can become selfish and harmful, yet it drives creation.
In simple terms: Imagined places feel real, but owning them can be selfish, though necessary for art.
Key Takeaway
Balance imagination with humility; avoid ego-driven ownership.
Themes
creativity
ownership
ego
reality
artistic responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
critical
introspective
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- Writing fiction
- branding a product
- creating a community identity
- artistic self-reflection
Key Concepts
Imagination
subjectivity
ethical limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ownership affect your creative process?
- When does imagination become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on ownership can alienate audiences and stifle collaboration.
