---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've always been a fast reader. Now I had…"
description: "\"I've always been a fast reader. Now I had to do it slowly, discussing each sentence. And every time I wanted to change something I had to come up with ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/karl-ove-knausgard-3539_aspect_i-ve-always-been-a-fast-reader-now-i-had_1691463.png"
---

#  I've always been a fast reader. Now I had to do it slowly…

![“I've always been a fast reader. Now I had to do it slowly, discussing each sentence. And every time I wanted to change something I had to come up with an intelligent defense I could be pretty sure that they would turn my suggestion down, as they had so many aspects to keep in mind. However, if I…” quote by Karl Ove Knausgard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/karl-ove-knausgard-3539_aspect_i-ve-always-been-a-fast-reader-now-i-had_1691463.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/karl-ove-knausgard-3539_aspect_i-ve-always-been-a-fast-reader-now-i-had_1691463.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/karl-ove-knausgard-3539_aspect_i-ve-always-been-a-fast-reader-now-i-had_1691463.png)

> “I've always been a fast reader. Now I had to do it slowly, discussing each sentence. And every time I wanted to change something I had to come up with an intelligent defense I could be pretty sure that they would turn my suggestion down, as they had so many aspects to keep in mind. However, if I argued well, I could have a chance. I had to think of every comma, every word.”

[Karl Ove Knausgard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-ove-knausgard/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Meticulous editing forces deep analysis, showing that thorough critique can improve work but may also stifle spontaneity.

**In simple terms:** Detailed editing improves work but can limit creativity.

Key Takeaway

Balance careful revision with creative flow.

Themes

creativity critique discipline

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary instructional

When to use this quote

- academic writing
- publishing
- personal projects

Key Concepts

editing process authorial voice self‑censorship

Questions to Reflect On

- When does editing become counterproductive?
- How can you preserve spontaneity while refining?

A Different Perspective

Over‑editing can lead to paralysis and loss of original voice.

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## More by Karl Ove Knausgard

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