The wisest man is he who does not fancy that he is so at all.
Nicolas Boileau-DespreauxRead
No one who cannot limit himself has ever been able to write.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-discipline is essential for creativity and expression.
This quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in the creative process. Effective writing requires the ability to impose limits on oneself, whether that be in the form of time, subject matter, or stylistic choices, suggesting that true creativity stems from the mastery of self-control.
Themes
Self-DisciplineCreativityWritingSelf-ControlLimits
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a workshop about creative writing to inspire participants to embrace self-discipline.
More from Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux
All quotes βBut satire, ever moral, ever new, Delights the reader and instructs him, too. She, if good sense refine her sterling page, Oft shakes some rooted folly of the age.
Nicolas Boileau-DespreauxRead
Whatever we well understand we express clearly, and words flow with ease.
Nicolas Boileau-DespreauxRead
Time flies and draws us with it. The moment in which I am speaking is already far from me.
Nicolas Boileau-DespreauxRead
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