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About this quote

What does it mean?
Pride or fate leads some to translate rather than write original work.
In plain terms
Many people translate instead of writing their own work.
What can you take from it?
Original writing is often undervalued compared to translation.

Where it applies

  • literary circles
  • academic settings
  • publishing industry

Putting it to work

  • value original work
  • encourage new voices

Questions to consider

  • Why do we prefer translations?
  • What stops people from writing?

Another view

Translation requires significant skill and artistry.

More from John Denham

  1. Ambition is like love, impatient Both of delays and rivals.

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  2. Nor ought a genius less than his that writ Attempt translation.

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. Actions o' th' last age are like almanacks o' th' last year.

    Permalink to quote #1

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