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There is seven-eights of it under water for every part…

“There is seven-eights of it under water for every part that shows. Anything you know you can eliminate and it only strengthens your iceberg. It is the part that doesn't show. If a writer omits something because he does not know it then there is a hole in the story.” quote by Ernest Hemingway
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“There is seven-eights of it under water for every part that shows. Anything you know you can eliminate and it only strengthens your iceberg. It is the part that doesn't show. If a writer omits something because he does not know it then there is a hole in the story.”

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.

Unseen elements shape perception; what is omitted creates gaps that affect understanding.

In simple terms: Hidden parts matter.

Key Takeaway

Notice and address missing information.

Themes

writing perception detail communication

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

advisory reflective

When to use this quote

  • editing
  • research
  • analysis
  • critical reading

Key Concepts

storytelling cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • What essential detail are you overlooking?
  • How does omission affect credibility?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on visible facts can ignore deeper truths.

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