The past is really almost as much a work of the imagination as the future. Jessamyn West futureimaginationpast Change image and share on social
A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever. Jessamyn West bonebreakfester Change image and share on social
In my time and neighborhood (and in my soul) there was only one standard by which a woman measured success: did some man want her? Jessamyn West manmeasureneighborhood Change image and share on social
Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking. Jessamyn West completeenemyfamily share on social
You read a book from beginning to end. You run a business the opposite way. You start with the end, and then you do everything you must to reach it. Jessamyn West beginbookbusiness Change image and share on social
We want the facts to fit the preconceptions. When they don't it is easier to ignore the facts than to change the preconceptions. Jessamyn West changeeasyfact Change image and share on social
There are two barriers that often prevent communication between the young and their elders. The first is middle-aged forgetfulness of the fact that they themselves are no longer young. The second is youthful ignorance of the fact that the middle aged are still alive. Jessamyn West agealivebarrier share on social
In their sympathies, children feel nearer animals than adults. Jessamyn West adultanimalchild Change image and share on social
Justice is a terrible but necessary thing. Jessamyn West justiceterriblething Change image and share on social
Faithfulness to the past can be a kind of death above ground. Writing of the past is a resurrection; the past then lives in your words and you are free. Jessamyn West deathfaithfulnessfree Change image and share on social
