Individualistic Quote by Sherman Alexie
“I guess a witness is all I am. I think as a writer, you're pretty removed. Writing is a very selfish, individualistic pursuit. So in that sense I'm a witness because I'm not participating.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, Sherman Alexie, 2015
The author sees himself as an observer rather than a participant, emphasizing the solitary nature of writing.
In simple terms: Writing is a solitary, observational act.
Key Takeaway
Embrace observation, write truthfully.
Themes
creativity
solitude
observation
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
personal
literary
When to use this quote
- journalism
- fiction writing
- personal essays
- documentary work
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
authorial identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does detachment affect authenticity?
- Can a writer engage without losing objectivity?
A Different Perspective
Being a witness can limit empathy and direct impact.
![“I think ultimately, people are selfish in that department [blues], in a good way - the reason we're attracted to art is because it somehow reflects us. And I think, ultimately, we're a tribal people by nature. We're not individualistic. We almost like to hear that there's other people in a worse…” quote by Glen Hansard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/538/glen-hansard-13793_art_i-think-ultimately-people-are-selfish-in_186053.jpg)
