Another man Quote by Georg C. Lichtenberg
“The writer who cannot sometimes throw away a thought about which another man would have written dissertations, without worry whether or not the reader will find it, will never become a great writer.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "On Writing", 1790
A writer must discard ideas that belong to others, focusing on originality rather than worrying about reader approval.
In simple terms: Discard unoriginal thoughts; aim for originality.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize original ideas over approval.
Themes
originality
confidence
writing
Mood
analytical
encouraging
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- drafting
- editing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
authorship
creative process
self‑critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What ideas have you kept that aren’t yours?
- How do you balance originality with audience expectations?
A Different Perspective
Fear of rejection may stifle innovation.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
