Skip to content

Critical Quote by Paul Simon

“It's pointless to be critical of your stuff once it's done. I don't spend a lot of time agonising over it. It's of no importance once it's finished.” quote by Paul Simon
Download Open image
“It's pointless to be critical of your stuff once it's done. I don't spend a lot of time agonising over it. It's of no importance once it's finished.”

Paul Simon

About This Quote

Source Interview: Paul Simon

Once a creative work is finished, further self-criticism is pointless because the outcome no longer changes.

In simple terms: Don't keep agonizing over something already finished.

Key Takeaway

Finish, then let go.

Themes

letting go creative process perfectionism acceptance

Mood

liberating resigned

Type

aphorism reflective

When to use this quote

  • submitting creative work
  • completing a project
  • reviewing your own performance

Key Concepts

closure sunk cost fallacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you do differently next time?
  • How can you stop replaying the past?
A Different Perspective

Critical review before finishing can improve quality, so not all self-criticism is pointless.

4.9 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Paul Simon

Explore all 214 Paul Simon quotes

More Critical quotes

Browse all 2,389 Critical quotes