Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world. And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A writer should consider their work to be of utmost importance, even if they recognize its limitations.
This quote emphasizes the deep commitment and passion that a writer must possess for their craft. Steinbeck suggests that a writer should approach their work with a belief in its significance, which drives creative expression and dedication, even amidst the understanding that perfection and universal importance may be unattainable. This internal motivation is essential for artistic integrity and progress.
Themes
WritingImportanceIllusionCreativityDedication
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to inspire participants about the necessity of passion in writing.
More from John Steinbeck
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And when that crop grew, and was harvested, no man had crumbled a hot clod in his fingers and let the earth sift past his fingertips. No man had touched the seed, or lusted for the growth. Men ate what they had not raised, had no connection with the bread. The land bore under iron, and under iron gradually died; for it was not loved or hated, it had no prayers or curses.
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The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.
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People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
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It is one of the triumphs of the human that he can know a thing and still not believe it.
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