Quotes About Distillation

If you don't have it in your part, leave it out, because there is enough missing already.

Uncluding is the art of subtracting every element that doesn't pull its weight.

The ability to subtract features is the rare gift of the true communicator.

Every word you add dilutes the sentence.

the definition of immortality centered on being remembered. The "living dead" were kept from fading into anonymity by being called to life in communal story, song, and dance. Remembering, whether by written or oral means, is an act of distillation. Some memories fall away; others survive, are embellished, and become stronger with the passage of time. Stories

winnowing of history,

To condense fact from the vapor of nuance.

One hasn't become a writer until one has distilled writing into a habit, and that habit has been forced into an obsession. Writing has to be an obsession. It has to be something as organic, physiological and psychological as speaking or sleeping or eating.

There's no clear water from a muddy well. All you can do is let the silt settle until the water clears otherwise it will taste sour. (paraphrased)

you can't say everything, the fact that you have to winnow your thoughts down to the essentials, means that you can get to the heart of the matter quickly.