“I learned never to empty the well of my writing, but always to stop when there was still something there in the deep part of the well, and let it refill at night from the springs that fed 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
“I learned never to empty the well of my writing, but always to stop when there was still something there in the deep part of the well, and let it refill at night from the springs that fed it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway offers insight into his writing process and the importance of preserving creative energy. He compares his creative well to a natural spring, suggesting that a writer should never exhaust their ideas or emotional energy completely. Instead, it’s important to stop writing while there is still something left in the well—enough to renew the writer’s spirit and ideas. By leaving some creative reservoir intact, the writer allows the well to be replenished naturally, like a spring refilling itself overnight. This approach ensures that the writer always has fresh material and is able to approach their work with renewed vigor and inspiration.
Hemingway’s writing was known for its economy and precision, but it also required sustained emotional energy and personal investment. The idea of stopping before the well is empty suggests that Hemingway understood the need for balance in the creative process—writing enough to move forward, but also preserving the depth and quality of the work. It reflects a deep awareness of the limits of creative energy and the necessity of rest and reflection to allow for further inspiration to flow.
In the modern context, this quote can be applied to anyone involved in a creative profession or task, reminding us that burnout often occurs when we push ourselves too hard and drain our creative reserves. Whether in writing, art, work, or problem-solving, this quote speaks to the importance of knowing when to stop and allow for recharge. It encourages us to protect our creative well-being by leaving space for inspiration to naturally flow and refill our energy and ideas. In a world that often demands constant productivity, Hemingway’s advice reminds us of the importance of pausing to ensure sustainable creativity and meaningful work.
