The desire to build a house is the tired wish of a man content thenceforward with a single anchorage. The desire to build a boat is the desire of youth, unwilling yet to accept the idea of a final resting place.
Arthur RansomeRead
You write not for children but for yourself. And if by good fortune children enjoy what you enjoy, why then you are a writer of children's books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Write primarily for your own passion and enjoyment; any success with children is a fortunate outcome.
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal enjoyment in writing. Arthur Ransome suggests that a true writer creates for themselves first, and if their work resonates with children, it is a happy coincidence rather than the primary motivation.
Themes
WritingChildrenPassionAuthenticityEnjoyment
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, this quote can inspire participants to focus on their own interests rather than external approval.
More from Arthur Ransome
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The art of reading is to skip judiciously.
Alexander HamiltonRead
Maybe reading was just a way to make her feel less alone, to keep her company. When you read something you are stopped, the moment is stayed, you can sometimes be there more fully than you can in your real life.
Helen HumphreysRead
For quiet, solitary and observant children create their own world and live in it, nourishing their imaginations on the material at hand.
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We make the Sabbath a delight when we teach the gospel to our children.
Russell M. NelsonRead
If you want grown-ups to recycle, just tell their kids the importance of recycling, and they'll be all over it.
Bill NyeRead
Child development: Most damaging course of action is attempting to keep children from experience or protect them from pain, for it is this time that children learn that life is a magic thing, if "not a rose garden." The parent's role is primarily to stand by with a good supply of band-aids.
Leo BuscagliaRead