I asked her to look at me and after a few moments - (pause) - after a few moments she did, but the eyes just slits, because of the glare I bent over her to get them in the shadow and they opened. (Pause. Low) Let me in.
Samuel BeckettRead
There are two moments worthwhile in writing, the one when you start and the other when you throw it in the waste-paper basket.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing involves both the excitement of creation and the disappointment of imperfection.
This quote by Samuel Beckett reflects the dual nature of the writing process, emphasizing the joy found in beginning a new piece and the often harsh reality of recognizing when something is unworthy, leading to its disposal. It captures the essence of creative expression, where not every effort yields a masterpiece and the importance of embracing both the initiation and acceptance of failure in the pursuit of artistic endeavors.
Themes
WritingCreationFailureArtProcess
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, when discussing the creative process, this quote can highlight the struggles writers face.
More from Samuel Beckett
All quotes βNothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It's awful.
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I shall state silences more competently than ever a better man spangled the butterflies of vertigo.
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And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
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I love order. It's my dream. A world where all would be silent and still, and each thing in its last place, under the last dust.
Samuel BeckettRead
We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom, our ideals.
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