Susan Orlean
The Quote in Other Words
Back in the day, I used to date a guy who had a peculiar writing habit. He would only write when he was dressed in a necktie and a dress shirt. I found it strange because at that time, nobody I knew dressed up in formal attire, let alone neckties. It was almost as if he was a matured person who was reenacting something.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the idea that people have unique and often unusual habits or rituals that help them to be productive or creative. The boyfriend in question needed to wear a necktie and dress shirt in order to write, which may seem strange to others, but was essential for his own process. This shows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity or productivity, and that individuals must find what works best for them.
Furthermore, the quote touches on the idea of nostalgia and the desire to relive or recreate past experiences. The boyfriend’s dress shirt and necktie may have been a way for him to feel like he was living in a different time period or to connect with a certain aesthetic. This highlights the importance of personal identity and the ways in which we express ourselves through our clothing and other choices.
Overall, this quote encourages us to embrace our unique quirks and habits, and to recognize that what works for one person may not work for another. It also reminds us that our clothing and other choices can be a reflection of our personal identity and values.