“Ezra was right half the time, and when he was wrong, he was so wrong you were never in any doubt about it.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“Ezra was right half the time, and when he was wrong, he was so wrong you were never in any doubt about it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway presents a candid and almost humorous reflection on human fallibility. The phrase “right half the time” suggests a recognition of the inevitable imperfections in judgment, yet it implies a sense of unpredictability in Ezra’s character. On the flip side, the statement “when he was wrong, he was so wrong” emphasizes the stark contrasts in human errors — that some mistakes are so evident that there’s no room for doubt. This duality underscores Hemingway’s style, which often dealt with the complexities of human nature in its rawest form.
Hemingway himself, a celebrated figure in the early 20th century, was known for his straightforward and unadorned writing style, which reflected the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation. His works, like A Farewell to Arms and The Sun Also Rises, explored themes of loss, courage, and human flaws. This quote fits within Hemingway’s worldview, where characters are often depicted with both their virtues and defects on full display. Ezra, in this case, becomes a symbol of the flawed but unavoidably human nature that Hemingway captured so well in his writing.
In modern times, this quote can be applied to the way we perceive and interact with authority figures or leaders. Whether in politics, business, or even personal relationships, we often find ourselves recognizing that even the most influential individuals are not infallible. Their errors may be glaring and undeniable, but this acknowledgment also reflects the humanity we share. For instance, a corporate leader might be praised for their innovative ideas, but when they fail, their mistakes are often so glaring that there is no ambiguity about their shortcomings.
