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Good writing Quote by Richard Harding Davis

“The secret of good writing is to say an old thing in a new way or a new thing in an old way.” quote by Richard Harding Davis
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““The secret of good writing is to say an old thing in a new way or a new thing in an old way.””

Richard Harding Davis

About This Quote

Source Essay: Writing Craft, 1905

Effective writing refreshes familiar ideas or presents new ones in familiar forms.

In simple terms: Refresh old ideas or present new ideas in familiar ways.

Key Takeaway

Innovate by re‑framing the known.

Themes

creativity literature innovation communication

Mood

inspirational thought‑provoking

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • authoring articles
  • teaching writing
  • marketing copy

Key Concepts

re‑contextualization novelty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you ensure originality?
  • What familiar concepts can you re‑imagine?
A Different Perspective

Risk of being cliché if not truly fresh.

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