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There are, first of all, two kinds of authors: those who…

“There are, first of all, two kinds of authors: those who write for the subject's sake, and those who write for writing's sake. ... The truth is that when an author begins to write for the sake of covering paper, he is cheating the reader; because he writes under the pretext that he has something…” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
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“There are, first of all, two kinds of authors: those who write for the subject's sake, and those who write for writing's sake. ... The truth is that when an author begins to write for the sake of covering paper, he is cheating the reader; because he writes under the pretext that he has something to say.”

Arthur Schopenhauer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Authors should write for the subject, not to showcase their own craft, to respect readers.

In simple terms: Write for the subject, not self‑promotion.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize the subject’s truth over ego.

Themes

integrity authorship reader respect

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic papers
  • journalism
  • creative writing
  • teaching
  • blogging

Key Concepts

philosophy literary ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your writing purpose?
  • How can you serve the subject better?
A Different Perspective

May be hard to balance personal voice with subject focus.

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