2013 Quote by George Saunders
““Even for those thousands of young people who don’t get something out there [in a university writing program], the process is still a noble one — the process of trying to say something, of working through craft issues and the worldview issues and the ego issues — all of this is character-building, and, God forbid, everything we do should have concrete career results. I’ve seen time and time again the way that the process of trying to say something dignifies and improves a person””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Art of Writing”, 2015
The act of writing, even without immediate success, builds character by confronting craft, worldview, and ego challenges.
In simple terms: Writing builds character despite uncertain outcomes.
Embrace the process, not just results.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- college writing courses
- personal journaling
- career development workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does confronting ego improve your work?
- What non‑career benefits do you gain from writing?
The process may not guarantee tangible career results.