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Wrote Quote by Edgar Allan Poe

“After all, what is it?- this indescribable something which men will persist in terming "genius"? I agree with Buffon- with Hogarth- it is but diligence after all. Look at me!- how I labored- how I toiled- how I wrote! Ye Gods, did I not write? I knew not the word "ease." By day I adhered to my…” quote by Edgar Allan Poe
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““After all, what is it?- this indescribable something which men will persist in terming "genius"? I agree with Buffon- with Hogarth- it is but diligence after all. Look at me!- how I labored- how I toiled- how I wrote! Ye Gods, did I not write? I knew not the word "ease." By day I adhered to my desk, and at night, a pale student, I consumed the midnight oil. You should have seen me- you should. I leaned to the right. I leaned to the left. I sat forward. I sat backward. I sat tete baissee (as they have it in the Kickapoo), bowing my head close to the alabaster page. And, through all, I- wrote. Through joy and through sorrow, I-wrote. Through hunger and through thirst, I-wrote. Through good report and through ill report- I wrote. Through sunshine and through moonshine, I-wrote. What I wrote it is unnecessary to say. The style!- that was the thing. I caught it from Fatquack- whizz!- fizz!- and I am giving you a specimen of it now.””

Edgar Allan Poe

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Labor of Genius”, 1845

Great creative work stems from relentless effort and perseverance, not from innate talent or effortless genius.

In simple terms: Hard work, not genius, creates art.

Key Takeaway

Commit to disciplined practice.

Themes

creativity perseverance labor genius dedication

Mood

determined inspired

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing marathons
  • nighttime study
  • daily writing habit
  • creative workshops
  • research projects

Key Concepts

diligence craftsmanship artistic process

Questions to Reflect On

  • What daily habits fuel your creativity?
  • How do you stay motivated during setbacks?
A Different Perspective

Talent alone cannot replace sustained effort.

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