When The Ceaseless Ceases
We almost never think of the present, and when we do, it is only to see what light it throws on our plans for the future. These are Pascal’s words, and it is easy to see how preceptive he was about the virtual nonexistence of the present, consumed as we are by using the past to plan what-comes-next, a moment away or in the distant future. That all-consuming, ceaseless process of creation is what reasoning and deciding are all about.
- Antonio Damasio, Descartes Error, p 165.
I have been rabbit trailing again. Yesterday’s great thought is today’s work: make it sturdy and interesting, or cut it.
Writing is a continuous process of deciding: what is the topic, what are the important ideas, how are they linked, how should they be sequenced, are there more precise, accurate versions of the ideas, how to explain difficult subjects, how much to write, how much (more!) to edit, word-choice, simile and metaphor use, narrative structure, who is the audience, whether to rabbit trail, and of course, will I look foolish.
I guess this mashup is the “ceaseless process of creation.”
And when the ceaseless ceases?
A decision was made. Then the ceased unceases.
Musings
Reader Comments (2)
Cole,
When I read something by someone who writes well about the art of writing - I am in awe. All of those lessons about this art format - I missed. And nearly everything I have learned about writing has been by the seat of my pants - and having really exacting friends who were willing to edit for me.
And so I sit, awed, learning because that is where I am at the moment.
thank you.
Gayle, Author
What If... A Woman, A Pen and Life Again
www.gaylemccain.com
www.gaylemccain.blogspot.com
www.faithfultoyourjourney.blogspot.com
Learning is awesome. Being taught a lesson is something altogether different.
Thanks for the kind words and your consistent contribution to the website.