--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Don't be a writer, it's a terrible way to…" description: "\"Don't be a writer, it's a terrible way to live your life, there's nothing to be gained from it but poverty and obscurity and solitude. So if you have a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28c/paul-auster-351_burning_don-t-be-a-writer-it-s-a-terrible-way-to_2150944.jpg" --- # Don't be a writer, it's a terrible way to live your life… ![“Don't be a writer, it's a terrible way to live your life, there's nothing to be gained from it but poverty and obscurity and solitude. So if you have a taste for all those things, which means that you really are burning to do it, then go ahead and do it.” quote by Paul Auster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28c/paul-auster-351_burning_don-t-be-a-writer-it-s-a-terrible-way-to_2150944.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28c/paul-auster-351_burning_don-t-be-a-writer-it-s-a-terrible-way-to_2150944.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28c/paul-auster-351_burning_don-t-be-a-writer-it-s-a-terrible-way-to_2150944.jpg) > “Don't be a writer, it's a terrible way to live your life, there's nothing to be gained from it but poverty and obscurity and solitude. So if you have a taste for all those things, which means that you really are burning to do it, then go ahead and do it.” [Paul Auster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-auster/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote warns that a writing career often brings hardship and isolation, suggesting only those truly passionate should pursue it despite the risks. **In simple terms:** Writing can be lonely and poor, but passion may justify it. Key Takeaway Pursue only if you truly love it. Themes passion career risk loneliness poverty Mood reflective serious Type cautionary motivational When to use this quote - career decision - creative projects - financial planning - personal fulfillment - social isolation Key Concepts creative sacrifice artistic integrity existential choice Questions to Reflect On - Do you value the art more than material comfort? - Can you mitigate solitude while writing? A Different Perspective It ignores the possibility of success, community, or alternative paths in writing. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Live life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/live-life/) [Obscurity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obscurity/) [Poverty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poverty/) [Solitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/solitude/) [Way to live](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way-to-live/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Don't be a writer; it's a terrible way to live your life. 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