Appealing workplaces are to be avoided. One wants a room with no view, so imagination can meet memory in the dark.

The quote, "Appealing workplaces are to be avoided. One wants a room with no view, so imagination can meet memory in the dark," comes from Annie Dillard, an American author best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. In this statement, Dillard suggests that a workplace or creative environment should not be overly stimulating or visually appealing, as it may distract from the more profound mental processes of imagination and memory. She advocates for a more minimalist, perhaps even isolating environment, where external distractions are minimal and the focus can remain on introspection and creativity.

Dillard's reference to a room with no view speaks to the idea of removing unnecessary external stimuli, such as beautiful landscapes or vibrant surroundings. In this context, a "view" symbolizes distractions that can pull attention away from deeper thought. Instead, Dillard values environments that encourage inner focus, where imagination and memory can come together in a space of quiet reflection, free from the overwhelming influences of the outside world.

The metaphor of "imagination meeting memory in the dark" further emphasizes the creative process as something that thrives in solitude and obscurity. Imagination and memory are typically associated with both the conscious and subconscious realms of the mind, and Dillard suggests that, in order for them to merge effectively and generate new ideas, they require a dark and undistracted space. This "darkness" isn’t literal but represents a mental space where one can access deep thoughts and memories without external interference.

Ultimately, Dillard's quote speaks to the importance of solitude and mental clarity in the creative process. It suggests that a sterile, less stimulating environment allows for the most fertile ground for imagination to grow, where ideas can emerge without being clouded by the unnecessary distractions of an overly appealing or vibrant workspace.