QuoteProject
We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. Doctorow
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that we are drawn to the aspects of ourselves that are intense and unrefined.

E. L. Doctorow's quote expresses the idea that our true selves often reside in the raw, unrefined parts of our identity. It implies that we are naturally attracted to the edges of our personalities, where we experience vulnerability and authenticity, rather than staying within the confines of our comfort zones. This exploration of the 'edges' allows for growth and deeper self-understanding.

Themes

IdentityGrowthAuthenticityVulnerabilitySelf-Discovery

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about personal growth at a leadership conference.

More from E. L. Doctorow

One of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.
E. L. DoctorowRead
In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
E. L. DoctorowRead
We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
E. L. DoctorowRead
I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.
E. L. DoctorowRead

Similar quotes

Confidence in the natural world is self-reliance; in the spiritual world, it is God-reliance.
Oswald ChambersRead
The unrealistic nature of these tales (which narrowminded rationalists object to) is an important device, because it makes obvious that the fairy tales’ concern is not useful information about the external world, but the inner process taking place in an individual.
Bruno BettelheimRead
The proper ending for any story about people it seems to me, since life is now a polymer in which the Earth is wrapped so tightly, should be the same abbreviation, which I now write large because I feel like it, which is this one: ETC.
Kurt VonnegutRead
Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels without even paying their dues. That's why it seems so much like a dance these days. You have to master the very basics solidly, with your body, and then proceed to develop to the higher levels.... Now we see nothing but copying or imitation without any grasp of the real thing.
Gozo ShiodaRead
All Religions. All This Singing. One Song. Peace Be With You.
RumiRead
It never got weird enough for me.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.