Air Quote by Virginia Woolf
“The way to rock oneself back into writing is this. First gentle exercise in the air. Second the reading of good literature. It is a mistake to think that literature can be produced from the raw. One must get out of life...one must become externalised; very, very concentrated, all at one point, not having to draw upon the scattered parts of one's character, living in the brain.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Common Reader, 1925
Writing requires external focus, disciplined practice, and immersion in quality literature to overcome internal distraction.
In simple terms: Write by stepping outside yourself and reading well.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate disciplined routine and read deeply.
Themes
creativity
discipline
reading
self‑transcendence
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
advice
literary
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- daily writing practice
- literary study groups
- mindfulness retreats
Key Concepts
externalization
focus
literary immersion
Questions to Reflect On
- What external activity sparks your writing?
- How can reading reshape your creative process?
A Different Perspective
May overlook innate inspiration, making writing feel forced.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)