Authenticity Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“I do not correct my first imaginings by my second--well, yes, perhaps a word or so, but only to vary, not to delete. I want to represent the course of my humors and I want people to see each part at its birth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Book I, Chapter 12, 1580
He argues that initial ideas should not be erased by later revisions; instead, they should be adjusted, preserving the original creative spark.
In simple terms: Keep early thoughts, just tweak them.
Key Takeaway
Preserve originality while refining.
Themes
creativity
revision
authenticity
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- drafting a novel
- academic research
- personal journaling
- artistic development
Key Concepts
literary theory
self‑reflection
writing process
Questions to Reflect On
- What parts of your first drafts are essential?
- How can you balance improvement with authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can erase the essence of the original idea.
