Brushes Quote by Wright Morris
“There's little to see, but things leave an impression. It's a matter of time and repetition. As something old wears thin or out, something new wears in. The handle on the pump, the crank on the churn, the dipper floating in the bucket, the latch on the screen, the door on the privy, the fender on the stove, the knees of the pants and the seat of the chair, the handle of the brush and the lid to the pot exist in time but outside taste; they wear in more than they wear out. It can't be helped. It's neither good nor bad. It's the nature of life.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Objects, Wright Morris, 1960
Repeated exposure makes ordinary objects become familiar and lose their distinctiveness, reflecting life's inevitable wear and change.
In simple terms: Things become familiar through repetition and time.
Key Takeaway
Accept change as natural.
Themes
impermanence
observation
everyday life
nostalgia
acceptance
Mood
reflective
contemplative
neutral
Type
philosophical
observational
descriptive
When to use this quote
- home décor
- daily routines
- maintenance of tools
- design evaluation
Key Concepts
Phenomenology
temporal perception
material culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How does repetition affect your perception of objects?
- Can you find beauty in the mundane?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the value of novelty and intentional design.
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