Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.
Jules RenardRead
Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the challenge writers face in gaining recognition and appreciation from an audience that may not understand their craft.
Jules Renard's quote encapsulates the struggles of literary artists who must continuously validate their skills in front of critics or audiences that may lack the necessary appreciation or talent themselves. It suggests the often unrecognized effort and perseverance required to succeed in the literary world, where the opinions of those who do not create can weigh heavily on the confidence of the creators.
Themes
LiteratureWritingTalentCreativityCritique
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a writing conference, one might quote this to inspire fellow authors about the persistence needed in their craft.
More from Jules Renard
All quotes βIf one were to build the house of happiness, the largest space would be the waiting room.
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When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness.
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It doesn't pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke. For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke, Let the other fellow wrangle till the storm has blown away, then he'll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn't say.
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I have no religion,β says Borneau, βbut I respect the religion of others. Religion is sacred.β Why this privilege, this immunity?... A believer creates God in his own image; if he is ugly, his God will be morally ugly. Why should moral ugliness be respectable?
Jules RenardRead
If I had my life to live over again, I would ask that not a thing be changed, but that my eyes be opened wider.
Jules RenardRead
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You want in all cases for the story to get through the writing.
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Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wishes to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.
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