We write to taste life twice, in the moment, and in retrospection.
In plain words
When you write about a moment, you live it twice. Once when it happens, and again when you tell it.
Where these words come from
- 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 5 (1947-1955, pub. 1974), entry of February 1954.
- The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 5 (1947-1955)
- February 1954 · a diary reflection on why she kept writing her whole life
More from Anaïs Nin
See allEach friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
Anaïs NinI will not adjust myself to the world. I am adjusted to myself.Anaïs NinYou cannot save people, you can only love them.Anaïs NinThe dream has to be translated into reality.Anaïs NinThe poet is one who is able to keep the fresh vision of the child alive.Anaïs NinLife shrinks or expands according to one's courage.Anaïs Nin
Anaïs NinI will not adjust myself to the world. I am adjusted to myself.Anaïs NinYou cannot save people, you can only love them.Anaïs NinThe dream has to be translated into reality.Anaïs NinThe poet is one who is able to keep the fresh vision of the child alive.Anaïs NinLife shrinks or expands according to one's courage.Anaïs NinMore on stories
A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverbDo not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.
ErasmusFiction is Truth's elder sister.
Rudyard KiplingReading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body.
Joseph AddisonReading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.
Francis BaconFiction is to the grown man what play is to the child; it is there that he changes the atmosphere and tenor of his life.
Robert Louis Stevenson
ErasmusFiction is Truth's elder sister.Rudyard KiplingReading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body.Joseph AddisonReading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.Francis BaconFiction is to the grown man what play is to the child; it is there that he changes the atmosphere and tenor of his life.Robert Louis Stevenson