--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My rule has been, so far as I could have…" description: "\"My rule has been, so far as I could have any rule (I could have no cast-iron rule) - my rule has been, to write what I have to say the best way I can -..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd7/walt-whitman-265_best-way_my-rule-has-been-so-far-as-i-could-have_590681.png" --- # My rule has been, so far as I could have any rule (I could… ![“My rule has been, so far as I could have any rule (I could have no cast-iron rule) - my rule has been, to write what I have to say the best way I can - then lay it aside - taking it up again after some time and reading it afresh - the mind new to it. If there's no jar in the new reading, well and…” quote by Walt Whitman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd7/walt-whitman-265_best-way_my-rule-has-been-so-far-as-i-could-have_590681.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd7/walt-whitman-265_best-way_my-rule-has-been-so-far-as-i-could-have_590681.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dd7/walt-whitman-265_best-way_my-rule-has-been-so-far-as-i-could-have_590681.png) > “My rule has been, so far as I could have any rule (I could have no cast-iron rule) - my rule has been, to write what I have to say the best way I can - then lay it aside - taking it up again after some time and reading it afresh - the mind new to it. If there's no jar in the new reading, well and good - that's sufficient for me.” [Walt Whitman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walt-whitman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The writer advises drafting ideas, setting them aside, and revisiting with fresh eyes to improve clarity. **In simple terms:** Write, pause, then reread for clarity. Key Takeaway Revise after distance. Themes creativity process self‑editing Mood contemplative inspirational Type literary self‑help When to use this quote - writing drafts - creative projects - personal reflection Key Concepts Iterative writing mindfulness Questions to Reflect On - How does distance change your perception of your work? - When is it best to move on without revisiting? A Different Perspective Time may not always reveal new insights; some ideas need immediate refinement. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Best way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/best-way/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [The only rule is there's only one rule: no rules.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dana-snyder/the-only-rule-is-there-s-only-one-rule-no-rules/) [Dana Snyder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dana-snyder/) > [I'll give you the whole secret to short story writing. Here it is. Rule 1: Write stories that please yourself. There is no Rule 2.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/o-henry/i-ll-give-you-the-whole-secret-to-short-story-writing-here-it-is-rule/) [O. 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