Art Quote by Elizabeth Taylor
““The whole point is that writing has a pattern and life hasn't. Life is so untidy. Art is so short and life so long. It is not possible to have perfection in life but it is possible to have perfection in a novel.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 1995
Writing follows a structured pattern while life is chaotic; art can achieve perfection that life cannot.
In simple terms: Writing is orderly, life is messy; art can be perfect.
Embrace structure in writing despite life's messiness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative process
- personal reflection
- life planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you impose structure on chaotic aspects of your life?
- What does perfection in a novel mean to you?
Perfection in art may ignore life's necessary messiness.