The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final resting place.
Arthur RansomeRead
You write not for children but for yourself. And if by good fortune children enjoy what you enjoy, why then you are a writer of children's books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Write primarily for your own passion and enjoyment; any success with children is a fortunate outcome.
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal enjoyment in writing. Arthur Ransome suggests that a true writer creates for themselves first, and if their work resonates with children, it is a happy coincidence rather than the primary motivation.
Themes
WritingChildrenPassionAuthenticityEnjoyment
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, this quote can inspire participants to focus on their own interests rather than external approval.
More from Arthur Ransome
All quotes βSimilar quotes
The assumption of all education is that learning will be directed toward constructive ends and I'm convinced that colleges should support students in their determination to be useful, self-sufficient, and productive.
Ernest L. BoyerRead
An environment-based education movement--at all levels of education--will help students realize that school isn't supposed to be a polite form of incarceration, but a portal to the wider world.
Richard LouvRead
Children's books aren't textbooks. Their primary purpose isn't supposed to be "Pick this up and it will teach you this." It's not how literature should be. You probably do learn something from every book you pick up, but it might be simply how to laugh.
J. K. RowlingRead
One good schoolmaster is worth a thousand priests.
Robert Green IngersollRead
Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft.
Winston ChurchillRead
Teaching thinking for just five hours to unemployed youngsters increased employment 500 percent.
Edward De BonoRead