“For a true writer, each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.”
- 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
“For a true writer, each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway captures the relentless drive of a true writer, who approaches each new book as a fresh attempt to reach for something unattainable. For Hemingway, writing is not about repeating past successes or following formulas; it is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible and attempting to create something innovative or unique. The phrase “beyond attainment” suggests that the writer’s quest is not for mere technical perfection, but for a form of artistic expression that transcends existing limitations. This ongoing effort to create something new or untried is central to the writer’s journey, knowing that many of these attempts may fail, but that the pursuit itself is valuable. “Great luck” hints at the unpredictable nature of artistic success—sometimes, despite all odds, a writer may manage to achieve something profound.
Hemingway himself embraced this philosophy throughout his career, continuously experimenting with his style and themes. His development as a writer can be seen as a series of attempts to break new ground, whether through his economical prose, the use of the Iceberg Theory, or his exploration of deep human emotion amidst the brutality of war and loss. Even his most successful works, like The Old Man and the Sea or A Farewell to Arms, reflect a constant striving for something that seemed just beyond his grasp, as if each book was a new challenge. This mindset is indicative of his commitment to growth and innovation, always seeking to express something unique.
In today’s world, this quote can serve as a reminder for writers and creators across all fields to constantly innovate and take risks, rather than playing it safe by replicating previous successes. Whether in literature, art, or even technology, the quest for the unattainable often leads to the most groundbreaking advancements. Many contemporary writers and artists continue to seek new ways to challenge traditional forms or explore untold stories, driven by the belief that true creativity comes from continuous reinvention. This pursuit of something beyond attainment reflects a core belief in the transformative power of art and the unyielding desire to push the limits of what is possible.
