Writer Quote by Charles Bukowski
““There is a problem with writers. If what a writer wrote was published and sold many, many copies, the writer thought he was great. If what a writer wrote was published and sold a medium number of copies, the writer thought he was great. If what a writer wrote was published and sold very few copies, the writer thought he was great. If what the writer wrote never was published and he didn't have enough the money to publish it himself, then he thought he was truly great. The truth, however, was there was very little greatness. It was almost nonexistent, invisible. But you could be sure that the worst writers had the most confidence, the least self-doubt. Anyway, writers were to be avoided, and I tried to avoid them, but it was almost impossible. They hoped for some sort of brotherhood, some kind of togetherness. None of it had anything to do with writing, none of it helped at the typewriter.””
About This Quote
Writers often equate publication volume with greatness, yet true merit is scarce; confidence can mask mediocrity, leading to a writer’s paradox.
In simple terms: Writers think sales equal greatness, but true talent is rare.
Key Takeaway
Focus on craft over accolades.
Themes
writing
ego
confidence
mediocrity
Mood
skeptical
insightful
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- creative community
- career writing
Key Concepts
self‑perception
literary value
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure genuine progress?
- What role does humility play in creative work?
A Different Perspective
Confidence without skill can mislead.
