Affair Quote by Virginia Woolf
“The good diarist writes either for himself alone or for a posterity so distant that it can safely hear every secret and justly weigh every motive. For such an audience there is need neither of affectation nor of restraint. Sincerity is what they ask, detail, and volume; skill with the pen comes in conveniently, but brilliance is not necessary; genius is a hindrance even; and should you know your business and do it manfully, posterity will let you off mixing with great men, reporting famous affairs, or having lain with the first ladies in the land.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Common Reader", 1925
A diarist writes for a distant audience, needing sincerity, detail, and volume, not pretension or brilliance.
In simple terms: Write honestly for future readers, not for show.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize honesty and depth over style.
Themes
authenticity
writing
audience
history
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal journals
- historical memoirs
- literary criticism
- educational materials
Key Concepts
sincerity
detail
volume
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance should be struck between honesty and artistry?
- How does audience distance shape content?
A Different Perspective
May undervalue artistic flair or innovation.
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