--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think if a writer is not endeavoring to…" description: "\"I think if a writer is not endeavoring to expand and alter consciousness in himself and in his readers, he is not doing much of anything. It is precise..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/william-s-burroughs-528_association_i-think-if-a-writer-is-not-endeavoring-t_3204049.jpg" --- # I think if a writer is not endeavoring to expand and alter… ![“I think if a writer is not endeavoring to expand and alter consciousness in himself and in his readers, he is not doing much of anything. It is precisely words, word lines, lines of words and images, and associations connected with these word and image lines in the brain, that keep you in present…” quote by William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/william-s-burroughs-528_association_i-think-if-a-writer-is-not-endeavoring-t_3204049.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/william-s-burroughs-528_association_i-think-if-a-writer-is-not-endeavoring-t_3204049.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/william-s-burroughs-528_association_i-think-if-a-writer-is-not-endeavoring-t_3204049.jpg) > “I think if a writer is not endeavoring to expand and alter consciousness in himself and in his readers, he is not doing much of anything. It is precisely words, word lines, lines of words and images, and associations connected with these word and image lines in the brain, that keep you in present time, right where you are sitting now.” [William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-s-burroughs/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A writer must aim to broaden consciousness for both themselves and readers; language and imagery anchor us in the present moment. **In simple terms:** Writers should expand minds and keep readers present. Key Takeaway Seek to challenge and engage readers. Themes creativity consciousness language Mood thoughtful introspective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - writing workshops - teaching literature - personal reflection - media analysis Key Concepts literary theory psychology mindfulness Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance depth with accessibility? - What techniques keep readers fully present? A Different Perspective May alienate readers who prefer simple entertainment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consciousness/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Present time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/present-time/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Writing prejudicial, off-putting reviews is a precise exercise in applied black magic. The reviewer can draw free-floating disagreeable associations to a book by implying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-s-burroughs/writing-prejudicial-off-putting-reviews-is-a-precise-exercise-in/) [William S. 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