It is by all odds the loftiest of cities. It even managed to reach the highest point in the sky at the lowest moment of the depression.
E. B. WhiteRead
I am often mad, but I would hate to be nothing but mad: and I think I would lose what little value I may have as a writer if I were to refuse, as a matter of principle, to accept the warming rays of the sun, and to report them, whenever, and if ever, they
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing madness can add depth to one's perspective, particularly in writing.
E. B. White reflects on the duality of his nature, acknowledging his moments of madness while also valuing the importance of experiencing joy and inspiration. He implies that accepting both aspects of life—its chaos and its beauty—enriches his work as a writer, suggesting that true creativity comes from embracing all emotions and experiences.
Themes
MadnessCreativityWritingEmotionsInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about embracing creativity, one might say this quote to underline the importance of accepting all aspects of life.
More from E. B. White
All quotes →It isn't silence you can cut with a knife any more, it's interchange of ideas. Intelligent discussion of practically everything is what is breaking up modern marriage.
E. B. WhiteRead
The main thing I try to do is write as clearly as I can. Because I have the greatest respect for the reader, and if he's going to the trouble of reading what I've written -- I'm a slow reader myself and I guess most people are -- why, the least I can do is make it as easy as possible for him to find out what I'm trying to say, trying to get at. I rewrite a good deal to make it clear.
E. B. WhiteRead
A good farmer is nothing more nor less than a handy man with a sense of humus.
E. B. WhiteRead
A despot doesn't fear eloquent writers preaching freedom- he fears a drunken poet who may crack a joke that will take hold.
E. B. WhiteRead
All writing is communication; creative writing is communication through revelation-it is the Self-escaping into the open.
E. B. WhiteRead
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