--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But if you had asked him what his work…" description: "\"But if you had asked him what his work was, he would look candidly and openly at you with his large bright eyes through his gold pincenez, and would an..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a6/anton-chekhov-298_answers_but-if-you-had-asked-him-what-his-work-w_2970059.jpg" --- # But if you had asked him what his work was, he would look… ![“But if you had asked him what his work was, he would look candidly and openly at you with his large bright eyes through his gold pincenez, and would answer in a soft, velvety, lisping baritone: "My work is literature."” quote by Anton Chekhov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a6/anton-chekhov-298_answers_but-if-you-had-asked-him-what-his-work-w_2970059.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a6/anton-chekhov-298_answers_but-if-you-had-asked-him-what-his-work-w_2970059.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a6/anton-chekhov-298_answers_but-if-you-had-asked-him-what-his-work-w_2970059.jpg) > “But if you had asked him what his work was, he would look candidly and openly at you with his large bright eyes through his gold pincenez, and would answer in a soft, velvety, lisping baritone: "My work is literature."” [Anton Chekhov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anton-chekhov/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A writer identifies his work as literature, revealing humility and dedication through vivid description. **In simple terms:** He sees his work as literature. Key Takeaway Respect the craft. Themes literature identity humility art Mood thoughtful introspective Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - writing workshops - art criticism - teaching literature - personal branding Key Concepts existentialism creative expression Questions to Reflect On - What does it mean to be a writer? - How does humility affect artistic output? A Different Perspective Self-definition may limit broader impact. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Baritones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/baritones/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Bright eyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bright-eyes/) [Gold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gold/) [Literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/literature/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) ## Related quotes > [I've tried to be clear about who I am, and be as open as possible with the press, and speak extremely candidly and openly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zachary-cole-smith/i-ve-tried-to-be-clear-about-who-i-am-and-be-as-open-as-possible-with/) [Zachary Cole Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zachary-cole-smith/) > [I have always wanted to deal with everyone I meet candidly and honestly. 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