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I should mention something that nobody ever thinks about…

“I should mention something that nobody ever thinks about, but proofreading takes a lot of time. After you write something, there are these proofs that keep coming, and there's this panicky feeling that 'This is me and I must make it better.'” quote by John Updike
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“I should mention something that nobody ever thinks about, but proofreading takes a lot of time. After you write something, there are these proofs that keep coming, and there's this panicky feeling that 'This is me and I must make it better.'”

John Updike

About This Quote

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

Proofreading consumes much time and creates anxiety about perfection after writing.

In simple terms: Proofreading is time‑intensive and can cause self‑doubt.

Key Takeaway

Accept imperfection; set realistic editing limits.

Themes

perfectionism writing anxiety

Mood

reflective determined

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • novel drafting
  • business reports
  • email correspondence

Key Concepts

cognitive bias self‑criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance quality with efficiency?
  • What strategies reduce editing anxiety?
A Different Perspective

Perfectionism can stall progress and increase stress.

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