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About this quote

What does it mean?
She describes essays as public letters where a reclusive mind shares its impressions.
In plain terms
Essays are like letters to the public that reveal a writer’s thoughts.
What can you take from it?
Use essays to voice personal insights to a wider audience.

Where it applies

  • publishing a column
  • blogging

Putting it to work

  • write personal essays
  • share reflections online

Questions to consider

  • When should a private opinion be made public?
  • How do you balance honesty with audience expectations?

Another view

Not all private thoughts are suitable for public consumption.

More from Margaret Fuller

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  2. There are two modes of criticism. One which ... crushes to earth without mercy all the humble buds of Phantasy, all the plants that, though green and fruitful,…

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  3. Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow.

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