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I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of…

“I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of shit. I try to put the shit in the wastebasket.” quote by Ernest Hemingway
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““I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of shit. I try to put the shit in the wastebasket.””

Ernest Hemingway

About This Quote

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

The writer distinguishes between masterpiece pages and filler, discarding the latter.

In simple terms: He separates great work from trash and throws away the trash.

Key Takeaway

Focus on quality, discard the rest.

Themes

writing creativity editing

Mood

reflective critical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • draft revisions
  • manuscript editing
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

quality control self‑critique productivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide what to keep or discard?
  • What criteria define a “masterpiece” for you?
A Different Perspective

Perfectionism can stall progress.

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