I do not like to write – I like to have written.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "I do not like to write - I like to have written" encapsulates a sentiment shared by many writers and creators alike. At its core, this statement reflects the nuanced relationship between the process of creation and the satisfaction derived from the finished product. In dissecting its meaning, we delve into the intricacies of creative endeavors and the journey that accompanies them.
Fundamentally, the quote underscores a distinction between the act of writing itself and the culmination of that process. The act of writing, with its inherent challenges and uncertainties, may not always be enjoyable or fulfilling in the moment. It can be arduous, demanding, and fraught with self-doubt. The process of crafting sentences, refining ideas, and confronting the blank page can evoke feelings of frustration and apprehension. In this sense, the quote reflects the acknowledgment of the struggle inherent in creative pursuits.
However, nestled within the quote lies a profound truth: the satisfaction that arises from having completed a written work. It speaks to the fulfillment that comes with the realization of one's creative vision, the sense of accomplishment in seeing ideas materialize into tangible form. To "have written" is to have transcended the obstacles of the creative process, to have surmounted doubts and uncertainties, and to have emerged victorious on the other side.
Moreover, the quote hints at the allure of the finished product—the polished manuscript, the completed painting, the final composition. It is here, in the realm of the finished work, that the artist finds solace and validation. The act of creation is transformed into a source of pride and fulfillment, as the artist beholds the fruits of their labor and witnesses the transformation of raw ideas into something tangible and enduring.
Beyond its literal interpretation, the quote also speaks to the cyclical nature of the creative process. For many artists and writers, the completion of one project often serves as a catalyst for the next. The satisfaction derived from having written fuels the desire to write again, perpetuating the cycle of creation and renewal. In this way, the quote embodies the paradoxical nature of creativity—the simultaneous aversion to the process and the irresistible allure of its outcome.
In essence, the quote "I do not like to write - I like to have written" encapsulates the complex interplay between the challenges of creation and the rewards of completion. It speaks to the transformative power of the creative process and the enduring satisfaction that accompanies the realization of artistic vision. Ultimately, it serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent struggles and triumphs inherent in the pursuit of creative expression.
Who said the quote?
The quote "I do not like to write - I like to have written." is often attributed to Gloria Steinem (Quotes). Gloria Steinem, a prominent feminist and activist, has fought tirelessly for women's rights and gender equality.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.