Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.
Anthony TrollopeRead
My belief of book writing is much the same as my belief as to shoemaking. The man who will work the hardest at it, and will work with the most honest purpose, will work the best.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Diligence and honesty are key to producing quality work, whether in writing or any craft.
In this quote, Anthony Trollope draws a parallel between writing books and shoemaking, suggesting that the quality of one's output is directly proportional to the effort and sincerity put into the work. He emphasizes that hard work and a genuine intention to create are fundamental to achieving excellence in any craft.
Themes
WritingEffortHonestyCraftsmanshipDedication
In practice
Example use cases
During a writing workshop, I shared Trollope's belief to inspire attendees to focus on their dedication to their craft.
More from Anthony Trollope
All quotes →Romance is very pretty in novels, but the romance of a life is always a melancholy matter. They are most happy who have no story to tell.
Anthony TrollopeRead
There is no happiness in love, except at the end of an English novel.
Anthony TrollopeRead
That I can read and be happy while I am reading, is a great blessing.
Anthony TrollopeRead
A man's love, till it has been chastened and fastened by the feeling of duty which marriage brings with it, is instigated mainly by the difficulty of pursuit.
Anthony TrollopeRead
But she knew this,—that it was necessary for her happiness that she should devote herself to some one. All the elegancies and outward charms of life were delightful, if only they could be used as the means to some end. As an end themselves they were nothing.
Anthony TrollopeRead
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