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I feel that, you know, the enormous luck I've had in being…

“I feel that, you know, the enormous luck I've had in being able to make a living, and to never have had to have written one word that I didn't want to write, to be able to have satisfied that dictum I set for myself, which was not to work for pay, but to be paid for my work — just to be able to…” quote by Leonard Cohen
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“I feel that, you know, the enormous luck I've had in being able to make a living, and to never have had to have written one word that I didn't want to write, to be able to have satisfied that dictum I set for myself, which was not to work for pay, but to be paid for my work — just to be able to satisfy those standards that I set for myself has been an enormous privilege.”

Leonard Cohen

About This Quote

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

Cohen expresses gratitude for being able to work on his own terms, emphasizing the privilege of creative freedom and being paid for work he loves.

In simple terms: He values creative freedom and being paid for his work.

Key Takeaway

Creative autonomy is a privilege.

Themes

artistic integrity freedom privilege

Mood

inspired grateful

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing contracts
  • artist residencies
  • personal branding
  • financial planning

Key Concepts

creative careers self‑employment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can you do to align work with passion?
  • How do you negotiate creative control?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone can achieve such autonomy.

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