“If you have a success you have it for the wrong reasons. If you become popular it is always because of the worst aspects of your work.”
- 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
table of contents
Quote
“If you have a success you have it for the wrong reasons. If you become popular it is always because of the worst aspects of your work.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway expresses a cynical view of success and popularity, suggesting that these achievements often arise from misinterpretations or the less significant aspects of one’s work. According to Hemingway, if a person experiences success, it is frequently due to external factors that do not reflect the true merit or depth of their efforts. Similarly, popularity is often driven by the shallowest or most easily digestible elements of a work, rather than its complexity or authenticity. Hemingway’s words hint at the disconnect between a creator’s intended message or the substance of their work and the way it is received or commercialized by the public. He implies that true success is often more difficult to attain and less likely to align with the superficial aspects that gain the most attention.
Hemingway’s own career, marked by both immense success and criticism, mirrors this sentiment. He was highly praised for his minimalist writing style and emotional depth, but he was also frequently criticized for aspects of his work that were perceived as simplistic or overly masculine. Despite the recognition he received, Hemingway was often aware that his most popular works, like The Old Man and the Sea, were sometimes misunderstood or celebrated for the wrong reasons—such as their economy of language or their focus on heroism—rather than their more nuanced themes of suffering, alienation, and human fragility. This quote highlights Hemingway’s belief that authenticity and artistic integrity can be overshadowed by the commercialization of art and the tendency of the public to latch onto the easiest aspects of a work.
In the modern context, this quote speaks to the culture of instant gratification and popularity that often surrounds artists, influencers, and public figures today. In an era where social media and viral trends can propel individuals to fame, the aspects of a person’s work or persona that gain the most attention may not necessarily reflect their deepest talents or true artistic vision. This idea also extends to consumer-driven entertainment industries, where shallow content often becomes more commercially successful than more complex or thought-provoking creations. Hemingway’s quote serves as a critique of the way success is often measured by external validation rather than by authentic achievement or meaningful contribution to the field. It calls for a deeper appreciation of work that may not immediately capture popular attention but holds true artistic merit.
