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There is but one art, to omit! Oh, if I knew how to omit I…

“There is but one art, to omit! Oh, if I knew how to omit I would ask no other knowledge. A man who knows how to omit would make an Iliad of a daily paper.” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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“There is but one art, to omit! Oh, if I knew how to omit I would ask no other knowledge. A man who knows how to omit would make an Iliad of a daily paper.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

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

True mastery lies in knowing what to leave out; omission creates impact.

In simple terms: Omission makes work powerful.

Key Takeaway

Practice selective restraint.

Themes

creativity writing minimalism

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • creative writing
  • editing
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

art of omission conciseness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you omit to strengthen your message?
  • When does omission become loss?
A Different Perspective

Over‑editing can strip essential meaning.

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