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In 1911, Edgar Rice Burroughs, having failed at everything…

“In 1911, Edgar Rice Burroughs, having failed at everything else, decided to write a novel. He was then in his mid-thirties, married with two children, barely supporting his family as the agent for a pencil-sharpener business.” quote by Michael Dirda
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“In 1911, Edgar Rice Burroughs, having failed at everything else, decided to write a novel. He was then in his mid-thirties, married with two children, barely supporting his family as the agent for a pencil-sharpener business.”

Michael Dirda

About This Quote

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

Burroughs turned a dire financial situation into a creative breakthrough by writing a novel despite prior failures.

In simple terms: He wrote a novel when life was hard.

Key Takeaway

Even in hardship, create.

Themes

perseverance creativity risk career family

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

inspirational motivational

When to use this quote

  • writing a novel
  • starting a business
  • overcoming setbacks
  • family support

Key Concepts

entrepreneurship literary ambition resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What creative project could you start now?
  • How can you use adversity as motivation?
A Different Perspective

Success may still require market acceptance and financial stability.

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