In his book "Slow Learner: Early Stories," Thomas Pynchon shares a personal anecdote about his approach to writing, revealing a common mistake many writers make. He reflects on a time when he relied too heavily on a thesaurus to find impressive-sounding words, aiming to enhance his writing and impress others. However, he neglected to look up their actual meanings, leading to ineffective communication and a misunderstanding of his chosen vocabulary.

This admission highlights the importance of understanding language deeply rather than just superficially embellishing writing with complex words. Pynchon's experience serves as a reminder that genuine mastery of vocabulary stems from grasping the meanings behind words, which is crucial for authentic expression and clarity in writing.