Aesthetics Quote by Richard Hugo
““Never worry about the reader, what the reader can understand. When you are writing, glance over your shoulder, and you’ll find there is no reader. Just you and the page. Feel lonely? Good! Assuming you can write clear English (or Norwegian) sentences, give up all worry about communication. If you want to communicate, use the telephone. To write a poem you have to have a streak of arrogance (…) when you are writing you must assume that the next thing you put down belongs not for reasons of logic, good sense, or narrative development, but because you put it there. You, the same person who said that, also said this. The adhesive force is your way of writing, not sensible connection.””
About This Quote
Writing should focus on the writer and the page, not on an imagined reader; communication is best through direct, simple means.
In simple terms: Write for yourself, not a presumed audience.
Key Takeaway
Write plainly and directly.
Themes
writing
communication
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
instructional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- teaching writing
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
self‑expression
audience
clarity
arrogance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does audience awareness affect your work?
- When is arrogance helpful?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring readers can limit feedback and growth.
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