American Quote by Thomas Steinbeck
“Since I can't write the greatest American novel, I'm going to write the longest American novel.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Literary Magazine, 2022, United States
He admits his limitations as a novelist and pivots to ambition, aiming to write the longest American novel instead of the greatest.
In simple terms: If you can’t be the best, aim for the biggest.
Embrace ambitious goals despite constraints.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- publishing projects
- literary contests
- personal branding
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is length a true measure of literary value?
- How does ambition affect artistic integrity?
Counterpoint: Length does not guarantee quality or impact.