“Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it must do it. Those who do not do it, think of it as a cousin of stamp collecting, a sister of the trophy cabinet, bastard of a sound bank account and a weak mind.”
— Jeanette Winterson
View social media caption
Do you have a passion that others call a 'hobby,' but you know is a lifeline? Jeanette Winterson captures this perfectly: “Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby.” Embrace the beautiful obsessions that make your soul feel alive—what is the one thing you simply must do in your life?
About this quote
There is a profound difference between a hobby that fills our spare time and a passion that fills our soul. Jeanette Winterson’s words remind us that the things we are most 'obsessed' with—whether it be books, art, music, or a craft—are often the very things that define our existence. When we stop treating our deepest interests as mere pastimes and start seeing them as a 'fate,' we unlock a deeper sense of purpose and identity. Life advice often tells us to seek balance, but there is a sacred beauty in the imbalance of a true calling. Do not apologize for the 'absurdity' of your devotion or the way your heart beats faster for a collection, a project, or a dream that others may not understand. The world may see a cluttered shelf or a wasted hour, but in reality, you are building a sanctuary of knowledge and a map of your own inner world. Embrace the obsessions that make you feel alive. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over passion, choosing to be consumed by something you love is a radical act of self-care. Your 'disease' is actually your cure; it is the fire that keeps you curious, the anchor that keeps you grounded, and the light that leads you home to yourself.
Photo Credit:
Photo by Florian Peeters on Unsplash
