In "On Teaching and Writing Fiction," Wallace Stegner reflects on the fundamental human desire for connection and acceptance. He emphasizes that at the core of our pursuits, what drives us is the need to feel a sense of belonging, whether in our personal lives or artistic endeavors.
This longing for belonging shapes not only our relationships but also the stories we tell and the craft we develop. Stegner suggests that this conviction is essential for writers, as creating meaningful narratives often stems from understanding and expressing this universal quest for connection.