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I start drawing, and eventually the characters involve themselves in a situation. Then in the end, I go back and try to cut out most of the preachments.
Dr. Seuss
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the organic process of creativity where characters develop within a narrative, and the focus is on storytelling rather than moral lessons.

Dr. Seuss emphasizes the natural evolution of characters and stories in the creative process. He suggests that as he begins to draw and write, the characters find themselves in intriguing situations, leading to a story that unfolds its own moral organically, rather than being forced upon the audience. This indicates a preference for authentic storytelling over didacticism.

Themes

CreativityStorytellingCharactersNarrativeDrawing

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop on drawing for kids, this quote could inspire them to let their characters guide the story.

More from Dr. Seuss

You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
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Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
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How true, how true" said the Sour Kangaroo, "And from now on, you know what I'm gonna do? I'm going to protect them with you!" And the Young Kangaroo in her pouch said "Me too!
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If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.
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When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad... you should do what I do! Just tell yourself, Duckie, you're really quite lucky! Some people are much more... oh, ever so much more... oh, muchly much-much more unlucky than you!
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I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
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A little wisdom, now and then

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