Opportunity comes like a snail, and once it has passed you it changes into a fleet rabbit and is gone.
Arthur BrisbaneRead
If you don't hit a newspaper reader between the eyes with your first sentence, there is no need of writing a second one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The first sentence of an article is crucial for capturing the reader's attention.
This quote emphasizes the importance of a strong opening in writing, particularly in journalistic contexts. Arthur Brisbane suggests that if the initial sentence does not engage the reader immediately, the effort put into writing the rest of the piece is likely wasted. The quote reflects the competitive nature of capturing attention in written communication.
Themes
WritingAttentionJournalismCommunicationEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
During a writing workshop, I quoted Arthur Brisbane to highlight how essential a captivating first sentence is.
More from Arthur Brisbane
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Very early in life I became fascinated with the wonders language can achieve. And I began playing with words.
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I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
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Drop out of school before your mind rots from exposure to our mediocre educational system. Forget about the Senior Prom and go to the library and educate yourself if you've got any guts. Some of you like Pep rallies and plastic robots who tell you what to read.
Frank ZappaRead