Books Quote by Ernest Hemingway
“If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. A writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Writing, Ernest Hemingway, 1932
A writer should trust the reader to infer unspoken details, using omission to create depth.
In simple terms: Omit details to let readers imagine.
Key Takeaway
Write with implication, not over‑explanation.
Themes
writing
implication
reader engagement
Mood
thoughtful
creative
Type
instructional
literary
When to use this quote
- Novels
- short stories
- screenplays
- journalism
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
show don’t tell
Questions to Reflect On
- What details can you leave unsaid?
- How does omission affect pacing?
A Different Perspective
Over‑omission can confuse readers.
