Dams Quote by Charles Bukowski
“There's nothing to stop a man from writing unless that man stops himself. If a man truly desires to write, then he will. Rejection and ridicule will only strengthen him. And the longer he is held back the stronger he will become, like a mass of rising water against a dam. There is no losing in writing, it will make your toes laugh as you sleep, it will make you stride like a tiger, it will fire the eye and put you face to face with death. You will die a fighter, you will be honored in hell. The luck of the word. Go with it, send it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Post Office by Charles Bukowski, 1971
Writing is an act of self‑release; desire overcomes external criticism, turning resistance into creative power.
In simple terms: Desire to write beats fear and ridicule.
Key Takeaway
Write despite doubts.
Themes
creativity
resilience
self‑expression
Mood
defiant
determined
Type
inspirational
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- novel writing
- blogging
- academic papers
- overcoming writer’s block
Key Concepts
psychology
motivation
self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal barriers stop you from writing?
- How can you turn criticism into motivation?
A Different Perspective
External rejection can still damage confidence if not reframed.
