American writers want to be not good but great; and so are neither.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that aspiring for greatness can lead to mediocrity.
Gore Vidal critiques American writers who aim for greatness at the expense of their current capabilities. By focusing on becoming great rather than simply striving to be good, many writers may become trapped in a cycle of disappointment, resulting in them achieving neither. This highlights the paradox of aiming too high without acknowledgment of the skills and efforts needed to improve.
In practice
This quote could be used in a writing workshop to inspire participants to focus on the quality of their work rather than unattainable standards.
We must declare ourselves, become known; allow the world to discover this subterranean life of ours which connects kings and farm boys, artists and clerks. Let them see that the important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.
The important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
For the average American, freedom of speech is simply the freedom to repeat what everyone else is saying and no more.
Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.
Envy is the central fact of American life.
Thatβs why an artist must be a warrior and, like all warriors, artists over time acquire modesty and humility. They may, some of them, conduct themselves flamboyantly in public. But alone with the work they are chaste and humble. They know they are not the source of the creations they bring into being. They only facilitate. They carry. They are the willing and skilled instruments of the gods and goddesses they serve.
Writing is, of course, a solitary occupation. But for many writers, myself included, it's through writing that we make certain vital connections.
For the source of the short story is usually lyrical. And all writers speak from, and speak to, emotions eternally the same in all of us: love, pity, terror do not show favorites or leave any of us out.
There can be no 'graduated exercises in drawing' leading up to an artistic creation. That goal can be attained only through the development of mechanical technique and through the freedom of the spirit.
I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose β there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?
Language upon a silvered tongue affords enchantment enough.
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