Find Quote by John Cooper Clarke
“Find a poet whose style you like, emulate that style, then deal with things that you know about - don't waste your time looking for your own style.' I wish I could remember who told me that, because I'd like to congraulate him. I've emulated all the old guys - Tennyson, Alexander Pope.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Unknown source, likely personal conversation
Encourages studying admired poets, then applying that technique to personal work, avoiding endless search for a unique voice
In simple terms: Learn from masters, then use that knowledge in your own creations
Key Takeaway
Study, then apply what you’ve learned
Themes
creativity
learning
efficiency
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- personal projects
- creative blocks
- skill development
Key Concepts
Literary imitation
skill transfer
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance imitation with personal expression?
- When is it okay to abandon searching for a unique style?
A Different Perspective
May limit originality if over‑relied upon
![“A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail. Index-hunter is a term used mockingly, meaning one who acquires superficial knowledge merely by consulting indexes. The '[holding] the eel of science by the tail' allusion was used in 1728 by Alexander Pope (q.v.).” quote by Tobias Smollett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6e1/tobias-smollett-18143_acquire_a-mere-index-hunter-who-held-the-eel-of_2385125.jpg)
