Artist Quote by Chinua Achebe
“It's so easy to get into the same routine. A novel every two years; perhaps, improving technique. But I'm not interested in that. I'm interested in doing something fundamentally important--and therefore, it needs time. And what I've been doing, really, is avoiding this pressure to get into the habit of one novel a year. This is what is expected of novelists. And I have never been really too much concerned with doing what is expected of novelists, or writers, or artists. I want to do what I believe is important.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1995
The author resists conforming to industry expectations, choosing to focus on work he deems truly significant despite external pressure.
In simple terms: He prefers meaningful work over routine output.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize depth over frequency.
Themes
creativity
authenticity
pressure
artistic integrity
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- publishing deadlines
- personal projects
- artistic development
- career planning
Key Concepts
existential purpose
creative freedom
career choices
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “fundamentally important” mean to you?
- How can you balance depth with livelihood?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on importance may neglect practical sustainability.
