Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Learn to write well, or not to write at all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing should be done with skill; mediocre writing is not worth pursuing.
This quote emphasizes the importance of quality in writing. John Dryden suggests that one should either strive to master the craft of writing or refrain from writing altogether, implying that poorly executed writing does not serve a meaningful purpose and can lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding.
Themes
WritingSkillQualityCommunicationEducation
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion about writing techniques.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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