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Hundred Quote by William Faulkner

“Really the writer doesn't want success. . . . He knows he has a short span of life, that the day will come when he must pass through the wall of oblivion, and he wants to leave a scratch on that wall - Kilroy was here - that somebody a hundred, or a thousand years later will see.” quote by William Faulkner
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“Really the writer doesn't want success. . . . He knows he has a short span of life, that the day will come when he must pass through the wall of oblivion, and he wants to leave a scratch on that wall - Kilroy was here - that somebody a hundred, or a thousand years later will see.”

William Faulkner

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Writer’s Legacy”, William Faulkner, 1950

Writers seek to leave a lasting mark that endures beyond their lifetime.

In simple terms: Leave a lasting mark.

Key Takeaway

Create enduring work.

Themes

legacy writing immortality

Mood

contemplative determined

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • poetry
  • public speaking
  • teaching

Key Concepts

artistic expression memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What legacy do you wish to leave?
  • How can you ensure your work endures?
A Different Perspective

Fear of obscurity can stall creation.

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