Able Quote by Ernest Hemingway
“In company with people of your own trade you ordinarily speak of other writers' books. The better the writers the less they will speak about what they have written themselves. Joyce was a very great writer and he would only explain what he was doing to jerks. Other writers that he respected were supposed to be able to know what he was doing by reading it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “On Writing” with Ernest Hemingway, 1950
Great writers let their work speak for itself, avoiding explicit explanations except for those who need them.
In simple terms: Great writers let work speak; avoid over‑explaining.
Key Takeaway
Trust readers, let text convey meaning.
Themes
literary craft
authorial humility
interpretation
Mood
introspective
educational
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary criticism
- teaching
- book clubs
Key Concepts
minimalism
reader engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How much explanation aids comprehension?
- When is authorial guidance appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Some readers may need guidance to grasp complex ideas.
