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About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking should feel as enjoyable to a writer as leather feels to a shoemaker.
In plain terms
Words should feel good to use like leather does to a shoemaker.
What can you take from it?
Writing should be physically and mentally satisfying.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • teaching
  • editing

Putting it to work

  • savor language
  • practice daily

Questions to consider

  • How do you feel when you write?
  • What craft do you love the tactile sense of?

Another view

Not everyone feels physical pleasure from words.

More from Evelyn Waugh

  1. When we argue for our limitations, we get to keep them.

    Permalink to quote #76
  2. Your action, and your action alone, determines your worth.

    Permalink to quote #78
  3. What is youth except a man or a woman before it is ready or fit to be seen?

    Permalink to quote #75

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