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I spent the morning putting in a comma and the afternoon…

“I spent the morning putting in a comma and the afternoon removing it.” quote by Gustave Flaubert
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“I spent the morning putting in a comma and the afternoon removing it.”

Gustave Flaubert

About This Quote

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

Writing involves constant revision, adding and removing details to refine meaning.

In simple terms: Writing is editing.

Key Takeaway

Embrace editing.

Themes

writing revision craft

Mood

reflective determined

Type

advice process

When to use this quote

  • drafting
  • academic papers
  • novel writing
  • self‑editing

Key Concepts

editing iteration precision

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you know when a draft is ready?
  • What detail can you cut without loss?
A Different Perspective

Over‑editing can stall progress.

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