--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I do not rewrite unless I am absolutely…" description: "\"I do not rewrite unless I am absolutely sure that I can express the material better if I do rewrite it.\" — William Faulkner" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93a/william-faulkner-306_funny_i-do-not-rewrite-unless-i-am-absolutely_2140756.png" --- # I do not rewrite unless I am absolutely sure that I can… ![“I do not rewrite unless I am absolutely sure that I can express the material better if I do rewrite it.” quote by William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93a/william-faulkner-306_funny_i-do-not-rewrite-unless-i-am-absolutely_2140756.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93a/william-faulkner-306_funny_i-do-not-rewrite-unless-i-am-absolutely_2140756.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93a/william-faulkner-306_funny_i-do-not-rewrite-unless-i-am-absolutely_2140756.png) > “I do not rewrite unless I am absolutely sure that I can express the material better if I do rewrite it.” [William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-faulkner/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author insists on rewriting only when confident it will genuinely improve the material, emphasizing quality over quantity. **In simple terms:** Rewrite only if it truly enhances the work. Key Takeaway Prioritize meaningful revisions. Themes writing craft perfectionism Mood reflective thoughtful Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - drafting - editing - creative process - self‑editing Key Concepts revision clarity authorial intent Questions to Reflect On - When is it worth revising a piece? - How do you know a rewrite will be better? A Different Perspective The stance may limit experimentation and iterative improvement. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Better Rewrite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-rewrite-4164159/) [Express Material](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/express-material-4456138/) [Funny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/funny/) [I can](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-can/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Material Better](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/material-better-1796039/) [Materials](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/materials/) [Rewrite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rewrite/) [Rewrite Unless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rewrite-unless-512742/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [. . . don't rewrite unless you know what you're trying to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-lucas/don-t-rewrite-unless-you-know-what-you-re-trying-to-do/) [Craig Lucas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-lucas/) > [“Finish the book. Finish the book, regardless of how bad it is. You can make it better in a rewrite.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-hill/finish-the-book-finish-the-book-regardless-of-how-bad-it-is-you-can/) [Joe Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-hill/) > [Generating comic material can sometimes get the better of you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kayvan-novak/generating-comic-material-can-sometimes-get-the-better-of-you/) [Kayvan Novak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kayvan-novak/) > [When I hear that a project takes place out of town, the material better be terrific, and it has to come at the right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-holofcener/when-i-hear-that-a-project-takes-place-out-of-town-the-material/) [Nicole Holofcener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-holofcener/) > [Doing the box set is one of those things where you get to rewrite your own history to some extent. 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