He [the writer] must, teach himself that the basest of all…
![“He [the writer] must, teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed…” quote by William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/b32/william-faulkner-306_all-things_he-the-writer-must-teach-himself-that-th_1547279.jpg)
“He [the writer] must, teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed - love and honor and pity and compassion and sacrifice. See Poets & Writers”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writers must confront fear and avoid clinging to old truths, or their stories become fleeting and lack depth.
In simple terms: Avoid fear and old clichés to keep stories meaningful.
Key Takeaway
Embrace truth, reject fear.
Themes
writing
courage
truth
tradition
ephemerality
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- journalism
- public speaking
- teaching
Key Concepts
literary theory
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths do you need to let go?
- How does fear shape your work?
A Different Perspective
Stubbornly holding old truths can limit innovation.