Again and again Quote by Robert Fulghum
“If you notice phrases, ideas, and anecdotes that closely resemble those that appear elsewhere in my writing, it's not a matter of sloppy editing. I'm repeating myself. I'm reshuffling words in the hope that just once I might say something exactly right. And I'm still wrestling with dilemmas that are not easily resolved or easily dismissed. I run at them again and again because I am not finished with them. Any may never be. Work-in- progress on a life-in-progress is what my writing is about. And some progress in the work is enough to keep it going on.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Personal reflections, unknown publication
The author acknowledges recurring ideas in his writing, seeing them as ongoing work‑in‑progress rather than sloppy repetition, emphasizing continuous refinement.
In simple terms: Repeated ideas show a work‑in‑progress, not laziness.
Accept revisiting ideas as part of creative growth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- creative writing
- personal journaling
- coaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What recurring theme drives your work?
- How do you know when an idea is fully explored?
The view may overlook the value of fresh perspectives; repetition can become stagnant.