All writing seems to me worse in the state of proof than…
“All writing seems to me worse in the state of proof than in any other form. In manuscript one's own wisdom is rather remarkable to one, but in proof it has the effect of one's private furniture repeated in the shop windows. And then there is the sense that the worst errors will go to press unnoticed!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing feels worse during proofreading because flaws become obvious, and errors may slip unnoticed.
In simple terms: Proofreading reveals flaws; errors can hide.
Key Takeaway
Check work carefully before publishing.
Themes
writing
proofreading
error awareness
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
analytical
advisory
When to use this quote
- editing manuscripts
- academic publishing
- creative writing
- self‑editing
Key Concepts
self‑critique
attention to detail
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you improve your proofreading process?
- What habits help catch hidden errors?
A Different Perspective
Even after proofreading, some mistakes may remain unnoticed.