Perhaps the hardest thing in all literature— at least I…
““Perhaps the hardest thing in all literature— at least I have found it so: by no voluntary effort can I accomplish it: I have to take it as it comes— is to write anything original. And perhaps the easiest is, when once an original line has been struck out, to follow it up, and to write any amount more to the same tune.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Carroll argues that originality is difficult without effort, while expanding on existing ideas is easier.
In simple terms: Creating truly original work is hard; building on existing ideas is easier.
Key Takeaway
Embrace iteration and refinement.
Themes
creativity
writing
originality
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- education
- philosophy
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
intellectual effort
literary process
inspiration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one balance originality with influence?
- What strategies help generate fresh perspectives?
A Different Perspective
May discourage pursuit of novel ideas.