Believe Quote by John Steinbeck
“The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world. And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “East of Eden” (or similar) by John Steinbeck, 1952
The writer must maintain the illusion of importance, even when aware it is false, to sustain creative drive.
In simple terms: Writers feign importance for motivation.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the illusion to fuel creation.
Themes
creativity
illusion
motivation
Mood
inspirational
determined
Type
creative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing process
- artistic perseverance
Key Concepts
literature
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you sustain belief in your work?
- When does illusion become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Self‑deception may cause burnout.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
