Able Quote by Philip Levine
“Corruption is subtle, just like the Bible said. Many young poets have come to me and asked, How am I gonna make it? They feel, and often with considerable justice, that they are being overlooked while others with less talent are out there making careers for themselves. I always give the same advice. I say, Do it the hard way, and you’ll always feel good about yourself. You write because you have to, and you get this unbelievable satisfaction from doing it well. Try to live on that as long as you’re able.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Poetry Magazine interview, 1996
The speaker advises embracing difficulty in creative work, finding personal fulfillment through disciplined effort rather than external validation.
In simple terms: Work hard and find satisfaction in doing it well.
Key Takeaway
Value effort over comparison.
Themes
creativity
discipline
self‑esteem
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- career development
- personal growth
Key Concepts
intrinsic motivation
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does embracing difficulty affect your creative confidence?
- What intrinsic rewards sustain you when external validation is lacking?
A Different Perspective
Hard work may not guarantee success or recognition.
