Abstraction Quote by Tao Lin
“If I wrote about "being [abstraction]" I would be ignoring existential issues (such as death, limited-time, the arbitrary nature of the universe, the mystery of consciousness) that I feel affect me most in my life and think about most of the time. Another reason is that it doesn't seem specific or accurate, to me, to write about "being [abstraction]." I think there are some other reasons.”
About This Quote
Writing abstractly ignores concrete existential concerns like mortality and consciousness, making the work feel detached and less authentic.
In simple terms: Abstract writing can miss real life issues.
Address concrete existential topics directly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- philosophical essays
- therapy journaling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What concrete experiences shape your worldview?
- How can abstraction be balanced with personal truth?
Abstract focus may alienate readers seeking relatable content.