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About this quote

What does it mean?
Commitment to art and thought requires singular focus and precision.
In plain terms
One book for one idea, one poem for one line, one word for one line.
What can you take from it?
Focus on one thing at a time.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • artistic creation
  • thinking

Putting it to work

  • simplify your work
  • focus deeply

Questions to consider

  • How much focus is needed for art?
  • Is less always more?

Another view

It limits collaboration or broad exploration.

More from Eugene McCarthy

  1. Now it is certain. There is no magic stone. No secret to be found. One must go With the mind's winnowed learning.

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  2. 'Broken things are powerful.' Things about to break are stronger still. The last shot from the brittle bow is truest.

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  3. The maple tree that night Without a wind or rain Let go its leaves Because its time had come.

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