Behinds Quote by Mark Twain
“Another editor. That thing behind his ear is his pencil. Whenever he finds a bright thing in your manuscript he strikes it out with that. That does him good, and makes him smile and show his teeth, the way he is doing in the picture. This one has just been striking out a smart thing, and now he is sitting there with his thumbs in his vest-holes, gloating. They are full of envy and malice, editors are.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Art of Editing,” Mark Twain, 1901
Editors are portrayed as both critical and envious, using their tools to improve work while feeling rivalry.
In simple terms: Editors improve and envy.
Key Takeaway
Balance critique with humility.
Themes
editing
envy
creativity
Mood
witty
observational
Type
critical
humorous
When to use this quote
- publishing
- writing workshops
- peer review
- creative process
Key Concepts
literary criticism
professional rivalry
Questions to Reflect On
- How does feedback affect you?
- When does critique become envy?
A Different Perspective
May exaggerate editor hostility.
