Abandon Quote by William Saroyan
““You abandon most readily those works that have no destination other than your own wishes; there is no editor or producer standing there waiting for them... I've told every young writer I know to do the job all the way through even if they think it's no good. Then they'll have the precedent of having finished work.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, William Saroyan, 1950s
Finishing a piece, even imperfect, builds discipline and a record of completed work, which fuels future creativity.
In simple terms: Finish work to build habit and confidence.
Key Takeaway
Complete projects to develop skill.
Themes
discipline
completion
creativity
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- writing practice
- personal projects
- academic assignments
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
habit formation
self‑efficacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does finishing imperfect work affect your confidence?
- What criteria decide when to move on?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can stall progress; not all drafts merit full completion.
