“My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.”
- 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
“My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway articulates his core philosophy about writing: that it should be an honest and direct expression of the writer’s experiences and emotions, conveyed as clearly and simply as possible. For Hemingway, the goal of writing is not to embellish or complicate, but to communicate what is seen and felt in the most authentic and unadorned manner. This approach to writing reflects his deep belief in the power of simplicity, where the essence of a story or emotion is most effectively captured when stripped of unnecessary complexity. The use of clarity and precision in his writing style allows the truth of the experience to come through directly to the reader, unfiltered and unclouded.
Hemingway was known for his minimalist style—his writing is famous for its economy of words and its ability to convey profound emotion with few, carefully chosen phrases. This quote highlights his focus on honesty and efficiency in writing, where every word must serve a purpose and contribute to the overall impact of the story. In works like The Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway uses simple language to express deep, complex human emotions and universal themes. His aim was to capture the truth of life, not through elaborate descriptions or elaborate prose, but by being direct and faithful to the reality of human experience.
In the modern context, this quote is a reminder of the importance of clarity and honesty in communication, whether in writing, speaking, or even in day-to-day interactions. In a world often filled with complexity, miscommunication, and excessive noise, Hemingway’s focus on simplicity encourages us to seek out truthful and straightforward expression in our own work and lives. It also suggests that simplicity is not synonymous with shallowness; rather, true simplicity comes from the ability to convey depth and meaning with the fewest, most effective words or actions.
