I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. But I'm one of the world's great rewriters.
James A. MichenerRead
I missed a whole cycle of childhood, but I've never used it as a device for self-pity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing the past without self-pity can lead to a more fulfilling life.
This quote by James A. Michener highlights the importance of not dwelling on missed opportunities or setbacks, particularly in childhood. Instead of succumbing to self-pity over what was lost, one can choose to focus on the present and future, fostering resilience and personal growth amidst life's challenges.
Themes
ChildhoodSelf-PityResilienceGrowthLife
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
More from James A. Michener
All quotes βWhenever I start a book, I swear it's going to be a short one. But then it's, 'Who was his grandfather? And how did he get there in the first place? And what kind of animals is he chasing?'
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I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation.
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If a man happens to find himself, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life.
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I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century: that a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains.
James A. MichenerRead
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