Cynic Quote by Raymond Chandler
“The wise screen writer is he who wears his second-best suit, artistically speaking, and doesn't take things too much to heart. He should have a touch of cynicism, but only a touch. The complete cynic is as useless to Hollywood as he is to himself. He should do the best he can without straining at it. He should be scrupulously honest about his work, but he should not expect scrupulous honesty in return. He won't get it. And when he has had enough, he should say goodbye with a smile, because for all he knows he may want to go back.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Big Sleep, 1939
A writer should balance modesty, slight cynicism, honesty, and resilience, avoiding extremes that hinder creativity.
In simple terms: Writers need humility, a hint of skepticism, and perseverance.
Key Takeaway
Write honestly, stay resilient, accept imperfection.
Themes
creativity
humility
resilience
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
professional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- screenwriting
- novel drafting
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
cynicism
authenticity
balance
Questions to Reflect On
- How much skepticism fuels your work?
- When do you need to protect your optimism?
A Different Perspective
Excessive cynicism can stifle inspiration.
![“Hammett was the ace performer... He is said to have lacked heart; yet the story he himself thought the most of [The Glass Key] is the record of a man's devotion to a friend. He was spare, frugal, hard-boiled, but he did over and over again what only the best writers can ever do at all. He wrote…” quote by Raymond Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/882/raymond-chandler-629_dashiel-hammett_hammett-was-the-ace-performer-he-is-said_20171.jpg)
![“He [James Cain] is every kind of writer I detest...a Proust in greasy overalls, a dirty little boy with a piece of chalk and a board fence and nobody looking.” quote by Raymond Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/614/raymond-chandler-629_cain_he-james-cain-is-every-kind-of-writer-i_41185.jpg)
