I'd rather sit down and write a letter than call someone up. I hate the telephone

I'd rather sit down and write a letter than call someone up. I hate the telephone

Henry Miller, the renowned American writer known for his candid and provocative works, was famously averse to the telephone. In his autobiography, "The Rosy Crucifixion," Miller expressed his disdain for the device, stating, "I'd rather sit down and write a letter than call someone up. I hate the telephone."

For Miller, the act of writing a letter held a certain intimacy and thoughtfulness that was lacking in a phone call. In a letter, one has the time to carefully craft their words, to reflect on what they want to say, and to convey their thoughts and emotions in a more deliberate manner. In contrast, a phone call can feel rushed and impersonal, with the pressure to respond quickly and keep the conversation flowing.

Miller's preference for writing letters also speaks to his desire for solitude and introspection. As a writer who often delved into the depths of his own psyche and explored the complexities of human experience, Miller valued the quiet contemplation that writing a letter afforded him. In the solitude of his writing desk, he could pour out his thoughts and feelings onto the page, without the distractions and interruptions of a phone call.

Furthermore, Miller's aversion to the telephone may also be seen as a reflection of his rebellious and nonconformist nature. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and instant communication, Miller's refusal to embrace the telephone can be seen as a rejection of the fast-paced, impersonal nature of modern society. By choosing to communicate through letters, Miller was asserting his individuality and his commitment to a more thoughtful and deliberate form of communication.