Meaning: The quote, "For that reason you can't write with music playing, and anyone who says he can is either writing badly, or not listening to the music, or lying. You need to hear what you're writing, and for that you need silence," by Philip Pullman speaks to the idea that writing and music require the writer's full attention, and that trying to divide one's focus between the two can lead to a lack of quality in either endeavor. Pullman, a renowned writer best known for his "His Dark Materials" trilogy, offers his perspective on the relationship between writing and music.

Writing is a creative process that demands deep concentration and mental immersion in the world being created on the page. Similarly, music is an art form that often requires deep emotional engagement and active listening to fully appreciate its nuances and complexities. Pullman's assertion that writing and music are incompatible activities for the writer stems from the belief that both demand the writer's full attention and cannot be effectively experienced simultaneously.

The act of writing requires the writer to be fully present in the world they are creating, whether it be a fictional universe, an academic argument, or a personal narrative. This level of engagement necessitates a certain level of mental silence, allowing the writer to hear the voice of their characters, the flow of their prose, and the development of their ideas. Distractions, such as music playing in the background, can disrupt this delicate balance and detract from the writer's ability to fully immerse themselves in their writing.

Furthermore, Pullman suggests that those who claim to write effectively while listening to music are either producing subpar work, not fully engaging with the music, or being dishonest about their ability to multitask in such a manner. He implies that the act of writing and the act of listening to music both require a depth of attention that cannot be adequately divided without sacrificing quality in one or both activities.

It is important to note that Pullman's perspective on the relationship between writing and music is a personal one and may not be universally applicable. While some writers may find that music enhances their creative process, others may agree with Pullman's assertion that silence is essential for effective writing. The impact of music on the writing process is subjective and can vary greatly from one writer to another.

In conclusion, Philip Pullman's quote underscores the idea that writing and music both demand the writer's full attention and cannot be effectively experienced simultaneously. He argues that in order to hear what one is writing, silence is necessary, and that attempting to write with music playing can lead to a lack of focus and quality in the writing. While this perspective may not resonate with every writer, it offers valuable insight into the complexities of the creative process and the various ways in which writers navigate their craft.