It's all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.

―Susan Sontag

“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.”

―Susan Sontag

Susan Sontag, a literary icon known for her incisive intellect and profound insights, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire thinkers, writers, and creatives. One of her most compelling quotes encapsulates her philosophy on life and creativity.

The Essence of Sontag’s Message

Sontag’s exhortation to “do stuff” is a clarion call to action. In an age where procrastination and waiting for the perfect moment can paralyze potential, Sontag advocates for an active engagement with the world. Her words reject passivity and embrace the idea that action itself can generate the inspiration and opportunities that many wait for.

The Power of Curiosity

“Be clenched, curious,” Sontag advises…

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This imagery of being “clenched” suggests a gripping intensity and a refusal to let go of one’s inquisitiveness. Curiosity, for Sontag, is not a passive state of idle wondering but an active, almost aggressive pursuit of knowledge and experience. It is through curiosity that we break through the surface of mundane existence and delve into deeper understanding and connection.

Beyond Inspiration and Approval

Sontag dismisses the notion of waiting for “inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead.” Inspiration is often romanticized as a sudden, external force that descends upon the chosen few. Similarly, societal approval is seen as a validation of worth. Sontag challenges both these notions, urging individuals to create and act independently of these external affirmations. The message is clear: do not wait for the world to validate your efforts or ideas; take initiative and make things happen on your own terms.

The Vitality of Attention

“Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention,” Sontag emphasizes. In a world saturated with distractions, the ability to focus one’s attention is a rare and powerful skill. Attention, according to Sontag, is the essence of vitality. It is through attentive engagement with the world that we truly live. Attention fosters connection with others and with the world around us, making us more alive and eager to participate in the human experience.

Connection and Eagerness

“Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.” Here, Sontag highlights the social and emotional benefits of paying attention. By being present and attentive, we forge deeper connections with those around us. This attentiveness cultivates an eagerness, a continuous hunger for life and its myriad experiences. Eagerness, fueled by curiosity and attention, keeps us engaged and enthusiastic, preventing the stagnation that comes from complacency.

To embrace Sontag’s philosophy is to live with an active, engaged spirit. It means pursuing curiosity with tenacity, acting without waiting for external validation, and cultivating a focused attentiveness that breathes life into every moment. Sontag’s words are a powerful reminder that vitality and creativity are not gifts bestowed upon a select few but qualities that anyone can develop through conscious effort and engagement.

Susan Sontag was a distinguished American writer, filmmaker, philosopher, teacher, and political activist, renowned for her critical acumen and profound contributions to contemporary thought and culture. Born on January 16, 1933, in New York City, she became a towering intellectual figure of the 20th century, known for her essays, books, and public speeches that often challenged conventional thinking.

Early Life and Education

Born Susan Rosenblatt, and after the death of her father, her mother remarried, giving Susan the surname Sontag. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and later in Los Angeles, California. Sontag was a precocious child, with a voracious appetite for reading and learning. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, but soon transferred to the University of Chicago, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the age of 18. She continued her studies at Harvard University, where she earned a master’s degree in English and another in philosophy.

Literary and Critical Work

Sontag’s literary career took off with her first major work, “Notes on ‘Camp’” (1964), an essay that became a touchstone in the study of aesthetics and popular culture. Her essays, collected in books like “Against Interpretation” (1966) and “Styles of Radical Will” (1969), explored themes of art, culture, politics, and media, establishing her as a leading critic and intellectual.

One of her most influential works is “On Photography” (1977), a series of essays that examine the role of photography in shaping our understanding of the world. In “Illness as Metaphor” (1978) and its sequel “AIDS and Its Metaphors” (1989), Sontag deconstructed the language and metaphors used to describe diseases, highlighting the stigmatization and cultural meanings attached to illness.

Fiction and Filmmaking

Sontag was also an accomplished novelist and filmmaker. Her novels include “The Benefactor” (1963), “Death Kit” (1967), “The Volcano Lover” (1992), and “In America” (1999), which won the National Book Award for Fiction. Her fiction often delved into complex psychological and philosophical themes, reflecting her deep engagement with human experience and thought.

In addition to her literary achievements, Sontag directed several films, including “Duet for Cannibals” (1969) and “Brother Carl” (1971), which further showcased her versatility and creative vision.

Political Activism and Humanitarian Work

Throughout her life, Sontag was an outspoken political activist. She was deeply involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement and wrote extensively about the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, spending time in Sarajevo during the siege to show solidarity and to direct a production of “Waiting for Godot.” Her commitment to human rights and social justice was a significant aspect of her public life.

Legacy and Influence

Susan Sontag passed away on December 28, 2004, but her influence remains profound. She is remembered not only for her incisive and provocative writings but also for her fearless engagement with the most pressing cultural and political issues of her time. Sontag’s work continues to inspire and challenge readers, encouraging them to think critically about the world and their place within it.

Susan Sontag’s directive to “Do stuff. Be clenched, curious… Pay attention” is more than just advice; it is a manifesto for a life fully lived. In a world that often encourages passivity and conformity, Sontag’s words inspire a proactive, curious, and attentive approach to life. By heeding her call, we can connect more deeply with others, stay eager for new experiences, and ultimately, live more vibrant and meaningful lives.