“It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that 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
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Quote
“It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway expresses the idea that the process of becoming a writer—with all its trials, failures, and learning—is a deeply personal journey, one that should not be open to external judgment or scrutiny. The phrase “let them think you were born that way” implies that the public often prefers to believe that talent is innate and effortless, rather than the result of hard work, failure, and continuous learning. Hemingway seems to suggest that the mystique of an effortless writing ability is a more acceptable narrative for the world, even if the reality is far more complex. The writer’s struggles, practice, and growth are part of the unseen, and it’s often better for others to remain unaware of this process.
Hemingway himself was no stranger to the challenges of learning his craft. His early works, before he honed his distinctive style, were marked by experimentation and refinement. Despite his eventual success, he spent years refining his writing, rejecting the idea of effortless genius. He often spoke about the importance of learning through failure, and this quote captures his belief in the necessity of hard work and perseverance in writing, even if the public perception might suggest otherwise. The suggestion to let them think you were born that way also reflects Hemingway’s general frustration with the public’s perception of artistry and genius as something inherently bestowed, rather than something that must be cultivated.
In modern times, this quote can apply to the broader culture of instant success and public perception in areas such as art, business, or even social media. People often glorify natural talent or assume that success comes easily to those who appear gifted. Yet, behind the scenes, most achievements are the result of hard work, struggle, and growth—a process that is rarely visible to the outside world. Hemingway’s statement encourages those engaged in any form of creation to remain focused on their craft and personal development, even if the outside world is content to view their work as the product of innate brilliance.
