My attitude toward punctuation is that it ought to be as…
“My attitude toward punctuation is that it ought to be as conventional as possible. The game of golf would lose a good deal if croquet mallets and billiard cues were allowed on the putting green. You ought to be able to show that you can do it a good deal better than anyone else with the regular tools before you have a license to bring in your own improvements.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He believes rules exist to ensure fairness; only after mastering them should one innovate.
In simple terms: Follow rules before changing them.
Key Takeaway
Master basics before adding personal flair.
Themes
discipline
creativity
fairness
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- sports
- writing
- professional licensing
- tool usage
Key Concepts
conventionalism
skill mastery
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to break a rule?
- How do standards foster competition?
A Different Perspective
Innovation may be limited by strict adherence to tradition.