“For a long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can.”
- 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 long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway reflects on the balance between effort and inspiration in the writing process. He expresses a dedication to doing his best and always striving to improve, yet he acknowledges that there are moments when luck or inspiration transcends his usual abilities, allowing him to write something exceptional—something better than he thought he was capable of. Hemingway’s recognition of good luck highlights the mystery of the creative process, where external forces, such as sudden insight or a burst of inspiration, can elevate a writer’s work beyond their usual limitations. This suggests that great writing isn’t solely about hard work and discipline but also about being in the right mental and emotional state to channel creativity at its highest potential.
Hemingway himself was known for his rigorous writing discipline and his belief in the craftsmanship of writing. He would often rewrite and refine his work relentlessly, striving for a perfect and clear expression of his ideas. However, he also understood that even the best writers are sometimes surprised by the brilliance that flows out during moments of inspiration. This quote emphasizes the collaboration between the writer’s effort and the luck of hitting upon something truly extraordinary, an idea or moment that seems to come from a place beyond the writer’s conscious control.
In the modern context, this quote reminds us that creative work requires both discipline and the ability to be open to unexpected moments of brilliance. It acknowledges that even the most skilled creators may have periods of struggling or self-doubt, but that there is also value in those moments when everything falls into place—when a work exceeds our own expectations. Hemingway’s words also remind us to stay humble and grateful for those fleeting moments of inspiration that can lead to something exceptional in our creative endeavors, even when we are doing our best to push the limits of our abilities.
