America Quote by Charles Bukowski
“There were always men looking for jobs in America. There were always all these usable bodies. And I wanted to be a writer. Almost everybody was a writer. Not everybody thought they could be a dentist or an automobile mechanic but everybody knew they could be a writer. Of those fifty guys in the room, probably fifteen of them thought they were writers. Almost everybody used words and could write them down, i.e., almost everybody could be a writer. But most men, fortunately, aren't writers, or even cab drivers, and some men - many men - unfortunately aren't anything.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1990s, literary magazine
Many Americans view writing as an accessible dream, yet most pursue other trades; some find no clear path at all.
In simple terms: Writing seems open to all, but many lack direction.
Key Takeaway
Recognize realistic career limits.
Themes
aspiration
realism
identity
Mood
candid
introspective
Type
literary
motivational
When to use this quote
- career counseling
- creative workshops
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
creative ambition
social expectation
self‑discovery
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel pressure to conform to a dream?
- What defines a fulfilling vocation?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing writing can ignore economic realities.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
