Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.

What's the meaning of this quote?

Quote Meaning: The quote "Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short" delves into the concept of brevity and the effort required to distill complex ideas or narratives into concise forms. At first glance, it might seem paradoxical – why would it take longer to make something short? However, upon deeper reflection, the quote encapsulates the intricate process of refining and simplifying information without losing its essence.

In essence, the quote suggests that while it's possible to convey a story or idea succinctly, achieving brevity is often a time-consuming endeavor. Crafting a short narrative or communicating a complex concept in a few words requires careful consideration, precision, and editing. Each word becomes significant, carrying weight and meaning, necessitating a thorough examination of every element to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

ELEVATE
Free Resource: A step-by-step blueprint to realize your dreams

Moreover, the quote underscores the challenge of distillation. In the process of condensing a story or idea, one must sift through layers of information, discard extraneous details, and prioritize the most crucial aspects. This requires not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also creative insight and skillful execution.

Additionally, the quote implies that brevity is not merely about reducing word count but about conveying meaning in a potent and impactful manner. It's about capturing the essence of a narrative or idea, stripping away superfluous elements, and leaving behind a concise yet powerful message.

Furthermore, the notion that it will "take a long while" to make a story short suggests that the process is iterative and time-consuming. It involves multiple revisions, edits, and refinements to achieve the desired level of succinctness without sacrificing substance or coherence. Each iteration brings the storyteller or communicator closer to the essence of their message, requiring patience, perseverance, and dedication.

In conclusion, the quote "Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short" encapsulates the complexity and effort involved in achieving brevity. It highlights the challenge of distilling complex narratives or ideas into concise forms while retaining their essence and impact. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of thoughtful consideration, meticulous editing, and creative insight in the pursuit of clarity and effectiveness in communication.

Who said the quote?

The quote "Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short." is often attributed to Henry David Thoreau (Quotes). Henry David Thoreau's writings, especially "Walden," inspire contemplation of simple living and the transcendental connection to nature.

Reading is Smart. Applying is Smarter:  Apply
Subscribe on YouTube to get more wisdom:  

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.

 
Actualize Your Potential
Get my simplified process for realizing dreams (The exact process that enabled me to achieve 100 life goals in 10 years)
GET IT FREE:
Access my Start With WHY workbook for free, designed to guide you toward your purpose and the person you are meant to become
expert_advice
Align With Your Why
Elevate In Your Inbox
Get actionable insights, best practices, and wisdom you can apply — No hype, No fluff. Just practical ideas that might change your life.

Read The Art of Fully Living

There's no going back-once you embark on the journey you're meant to live, it's impossible to settle for anything less than your dreams.

Click here to learn more

Set Better Goals

Learn a better and smarter approach to setting and achieving goals. It's not just about what you want to achieve, but who you must become in the process.

Click here to learn more
Take The Free Test
Discover your areas for growth in just 5 minutes. Take the FREE self-evaluation test and pinpoint where to focus your efforts

Uplevel Your Game

Explore The Roadmaps

Access a self-paced online roadmap that turns big goals into realities, complete with daily study guides, actionable steps, and proven practices from the world's best minds
Reclaim your freedom, escape 9-5, and live the life you were meant to live — A self-paced roadmap with daily study guides, actionable steps, and proven practices

Explore The All-Access

Unlock unlimited, lifetime access to a growing library of actionable knowledge and study guides from the world's top minds.
Join The Accelerator
Join a 10-week, personalized immersion that will accelerate your goal-attainment, elevate you to your next level, and turn your big dreams into reality.
Learn More
Contact
Thanks for reading. It makes a difference. A portion of all proceeds from our endeavors supports entrepreneurs in the developing world. View Impact...