Sincerity Quote by Jim Harrison
““I have such trouble, getting all these manuscripts every year by the hundreds, and galleys and so on, because you can tell right away if a person’s not in touch; if they want sincerity, or to be right, it’s hopeless. If there isn’t a primary intoxication with language and playfulness of their own consciousness, it’s hopeless. If they just want to be right, well then they’d be better off being a professor, wouldn’t they?””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1995
The quote stresses that authentic writing requires a deep, playful engagement with language; mere correctness or sincerity without that spark leads to failure.
In simple terms: Writing needs playful love of language, not just correctness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate joy in language, not just rightness.
Themes
authenticity
creativity
writing
literature
Mood
reflective
critical
introspective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- editing
- teaching
- publishing
- creative workshops
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
playfulness
intoxication with language
consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you write for play or for correctness?
- How does language play shape your voice?
A Different Perspective
If a writer focuses only on being right, they may miss deeper creative insight.
