Clear Quote by Martha Gellhorn
“If I were a first rate writer, I wouldn't mind a bit. What does depress me is this: it is so desperately hard and so obsessive and so lonely to write that, in return for all this work, one would like a little self satisfaction. And that is never going to come, for the simple reason that I do not deserve it. I cannot be a good enough writer. You see? I call it grim. But the future looks awfully clear to me.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Reflections on Writing, 1990s
She doubts her worth as a writer, feeling isolated and unfulfilled despite hard work, yet sees a clear future.
In simple terms: Self‑doubt hinders creative satisfaction.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge effort, seek external validation, keep writing.
Themes
creative struggle
self‑esteem
loneliness
future vision
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
creative
personal
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- peer feedback
- goal setting
- mental health support
Key Concepts
impostor syndrome
creative process
psychology of achievement
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure your writing success?
- What support can you seek?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can stall progress.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
