Ernest Hemingway

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Truthful creation

  “That is what we are supposed to do when we are at our best - make it all up - but make it up so truly that later it will happen that way.”

  Our noteHemingway describes the goal of creative writing to Fitzgerald.

• Quality over quantity

  “I would rather have one honest friend than most of the friends that I have known.”

  Our noteHemingway was writing to a critic about the pressure to join political movements.

• Finish the work

  “Scott took LITERATURE so solemnly. He never understood that it was just writing as well as you can and finishing what you start.”

  Our noteHemingway reflects on F. Scott Fitzgerald's approach to writing and professional discipline.

• Accountability in speech

  “Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut!”

  Our noteHemingway sent a set of rules for life to his publisher.

• Structure of writing

  “Prose is architecture, not interior decoration, and the Baroque is over.”

  Our noteComparing writing to architecture rather than mere decoration.

• Seriousness vs solemnity

  “A serious writer is not to be confused with a solemn writer. A serious writer may be a hawk or a buzzard or even a popinjay, but a solemn writer is always a bloody owl.”

  Our noteDistinguishing between genuine artistic seriousness and mere solemnity.

• Preparation meets luck

  “Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.”

  Our noteThe old man explains his philosophy on skill and chance.

• Constant creative striving

  “For a true writer each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment.”

  Our noteHemingway describes the ideal pursuit of a writer in his Nobel speech.

• Building trust

  “The way to learn whether a person is trustworthy is to trust him.”

  Our noteHemingway discusses how to evaluate the character of others.

• The danger of retirement

  “Retirement is the filthiest word in the language. Whether by choice or by fate, to retire from what you do - and makes you what you are - is to back up into the grave.”

  Our noteHe reflects on the importance of staying active in one's craft.

• Instinct for errors

  “Remember everything is right until it's wrong. You'll know when it's wrong.”

  Our noteColonel John Boyle was giving advice to David in the novel The Garden of Eden.

• Direct involvement investment

  “My old man figured that training him and riding him himself he was a good investment.”

  Our noteThe narrator describes his father's decision to train and race his own horse.

• Efficiency in action

  “For we have thought the longer thoughts And gone the shorter way.”

  Our noteHemingway reflects on the contrast between deep contemplation and the direct paths taken in life.