Appeals Quote by William T. Vollmann
“I studied Comparative Literature at Cornell. Structuralism was real big then. The idea of reading and writing as being this language game. There's a lot of appeal to that. It's nice to think of it as this playful kind of thing. But I think that another way to look at it is "Look, I just want to be sincere. I want to write something and make you feel something and maybe you will go out and do something." And it seems that the world is in such bad shape now that we don't have time to do nothing but language games. That's how it seems to me.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Comparative Literature, Cornell, 1990s
He contrasts playful literary theory with a desire for sincere, impactful writing in troubled times.
In simple terms: Balancing theory with honest, meaningful expression.
Key Takeaway
Write with purpose, not just games.
Themes
literature
theory
authenticity
social responsibility
purpose
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- creative projects
- social activism
Key Concepts
structuralism
language games
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can theory inspire action?
- How to keep sincerity amid academic trends?
A Different Perspective
Theory can feel detached from urgent real‑world issues.
