In working-class France, when an apprentice got hurt, or when he got tired, the experienced workers said It is the trade entering his body.
In the context of working-class France, there is a saying among experienced workers that reflects their understanding of the apprenticeship journey. When an apprentice faces challenges like injury or fatigue, the seasoned workers attribute this to the process of the trade becoming ingrained in the apprentice's being. It highlights the belief that physical and emotional struggles are part of the transformative experience of mastering a craft.
In Annie Dillard's book "The Writing Life," this concept resonates with the broader creative process. Just as apprentices endure hardships to embrace their trade, writers similarly confront their own difficulties and exhaustion. The quote encapsulates the notion that true mastery requires sacrifice and perseverance, illustrating how challenges are integral to growth in any profession, including writing.