This quote is a witty way of expressing the idea that writing and traveling have a physical as well as a mental impact. Hemingway is known for his direct, unadorned style of writing and this quote reflects that. He suggests that even if one doesn’t gain intellectual or emotional insight from writing or traveling, they will at least experience a physical change – a humorous reference to a broader backside from sitting down to write or travel.
The second part of the quote, “I like to write standing up” is a literal reference to Hemingway’s own writing habits. It is said that he often wrote standing up at a typewriter, possibly as a way to avoid the physical broadening he jokingly refers to. But it may also be a metaphor for his approach to writing – standing up implies an active, engaged stance, in contrast to the more passive posture of sitting down. It suggests a writer fully involved and participating in his work, not just observing or recording.
Applying this quote to today’s world or personal development, it could be seen as a call to engage actively with our pursuits, to not just passively experience them. It suggests that even if we don’t always gain the intellectual or emotional insights we might hope for, there’s still value in the process, in the physical act of doing. It’s a reminder that the journey can be as important as the destination, whether that journey is a physical trip, a piece of writing, or any other personal or professional project.
In a world where we often focus on outcomes and end results, this quote reminds us to value the process, to engage fully with what we’re doing, and to acknowledge and appreciate the changes it brings, even if they’re not the ones we expected.
