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One's writing is good only when the intelligence and the…

“One's writing is good only when the intelligence and the imagination are in equilibrium. As soon as one of them overbalances the other, it's all up; you may as well throw it away and begin afresh.” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““One's writing is good only when the intelligence and the imagination are in equilibrium. As soon as one of them overbalances the other, it's all up; you may as well throw it away and begin afresh.””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

Writing succeeds when intellect and imagination balance; excess of either disrupts coherence, necessitating a fresh start.

In simple terms: Balance mind and imagination in writing.

Key Takeaway

Maintain equilibrium, rewrite if unbalanced.

Themes

creativity balance writing discipline

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

literary advice.inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • academic essays
  • creative brainstorming
  • editing process

Key Concepts

cognitive harmony artistic expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure both intellect and imagination guide your work?
  • When have you needed to restart a piece to restore balance?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on logic can stifle originality, while unchecked imagination may lack clarity.

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