I cannot and do not live in the world of discretion, not as a writer, anyway. I would prefer to, I assure you - it would make life easier. But discretion is, unfortunately, not for novelists.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author admits writers cannot practice discretion because it conflicts with their creative nature.
- In plain terms
- Writers find it hard to stay quiet because their job requires speaking out.
- What can you take from it?
- Creativity often demands breaking rules of discretion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is discretion possible for artists?
- What must you sacrifice to create?
Another view
Some writers may succeed by being discreet.
More from Philip Roth
I write fiction and I'm told it's autobiography, I write autobiography and I'm told it's fiction, so since I'm so dim and they're so smart, let them decide wha…
Permalink to quote #5 Oh Patimkin! Fruit grew in their refrigerator and sporting goods dropped from their trees!
Permalink to quote #7 This indictment is a kind of fever that flares up from time to time. It flared up after 'Defender of the Faith,' again after 'Goodbye Columbus,' and understand…
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
At present, I am a poet trying to be a soldier. To tell the truth, I am not interested in writing nowadays, except in so far as writing is the expression of so…
Joyce KilmerJoyce Kilmer quote #1 I cut a hole in my heart and wrote with the blood.
James Anthony FroudeJames Anthony Froude quote #2 This story is slightly immoral, but so, I guess, are stories based on truth.
Ring LardnerRing Lardner quote #3