Accounts Quote by Jonathan Swift
“When you set about your composing, it may be necessary for your ease, and better distillation of wit, to put on your worst clothes, and the worse the better; for an author, like a limbeck, will yield the better for having a rag about him: besides that, I have observed a gardener cut the outward rind of a tree (which is the surtout of it) to make it bear well; and this is a natural account of the usual poverty of poets, and is an argument why wits, of all men living, ought to be ill clad.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "A Tale of a Tub" (1704), satirical literature
Adopting humble or unconventional means can sharpen intellect and creativity; poverty of appearance may foster deeper insight.
In simple terms: Embrace simplicity to enhance wit.
Key Takeaway
Use modest resources to foster creative clarity.
Themes
humility
creativity
satire
Mood
witty
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- gardening metaphors
- literary critique
- personal development
Key Concepts
Simplicity as catalyst
creative constraint
Questions to Reflect On
- What benefits arise from working with limited means?
- How does simplicity influence originality?
A Different Perspective
May not apply to all artistic fields; risk of under-resourcing.
