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About this quote

What does it mean?
Jonson asserts that becoming a good poet requires both natural talent and deliberate practice.
In plain terms
Poets are born with talent but also need to learn and practice.
What can you take from it?
Combine natural gifts with hard work to improve your craft.

Where it applies

  • learning crafts
  • artistic development
  • professional growth

Putting it to work

  • study the craft
  • write daily
  • seek feedback

Questions to consider

  • Is talent more important than work?
  • Can anyone learn to write?

Another view

Some people succeed with talent alone without much study.

More from Ben Jonson

  1. Who casts to write a living line, must sweat.

    Permalink to quote #34
  2. Sweet Swan of Avon!

    Permalink to quote #36
  3. He was not of an age, but for all time.

    Permalink to quote #33

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