The art of newspaper paragraphing is to stroke a platitude until it purrs like an epigram.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The art of newspaper paragraphing is to stroke a platitude until it purrs like an epigram, describing how writers polish clichés into memorable lines.
- In plain terms
- Writers turn clichés into clever sayings.
- What can you take from it?
- Refine simple ideas into sharp prose.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you turn a cliché into insight?
- When is polishing a platitude unnecessary?
Another view
Not all platitudes can be elevated.
More from Don Marquis
Successful people are the ones who think up things for the rest of the world to keep busy at.
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