A human being creates complexity by writing a novel on the surface of paper; a weather system creates complexity by writing waves on the surface of an ocean. What is the difference between the information carried in the words of a novel and the information carried on the waves of the sea? Listen, and the waves will speak, and someday, I tell you, you will write your thoughts on the surface of the sea.
Interpretation
This quote explores the nature of complexity in human expression and the natural world, suggesting a deep connection between literature and nature.
In this quote, Douglas Preston draws a parallel between the complexity generated by human creativity, such as writing a novel, and the intricate patterns created by natural forces, like waves in the ocean. He invites us to consider the information and stories conveyed in both forms of expression, emphasizing that there is a profound relationship between human creativity and nature, hinting that both speak to us in their unique languages.
In practice
During a lecture on literature and environmentalism, one could use this quote to illustrate the interconnectedness of human creativity and nature.
Make sure your family and loved ones don’t interrupt you during your_x000D_ writing time. If you’re a lawyer or doctor, friends don’t just stop by the office to chat or interrupt you from your work. But for some reason, people think writing is different. It isn’t, and you need to make clear that this is sacred time.
Music is the arithmetic of sounds as optics is the geometry of light.
If you take a few days to write an outline, you're just making up scenes that you think will work, that you think will be interesting. But as you write it, other ideas occur - better ideas that have to do with what you're writing.
I am the freest author in the world.
I knew that I was 'interesting' at 18 because I was aware that I could get away with doing things on stage.
The creation of art is not the fulfillment of a need but the creation of a need. The world never needed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony until he created it. Now we could not live without it.
Composing is improvisation slowed down.
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