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About this quote

What does it mean?
Writers are gentle because they know they are mortal and will be forgotten.
In plain terms
Writers are kind because they know they will die and be forgotten.
What can you take from it?
Humility about mortality fosters kindness.

Where it applies

  • professional interactions
  • writing community
  • life choices

Putting it to work

  • practice kindness
  • accept mortality

Questions to consider

  • How does knowing you will die change your behavior?
  • Why are you kind?

Another view

Not all writers are kind; some are known for harshness.

More from William Saroyan

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  3. Indians are born with an instinct for riding, rowing, hunting, fishing, and swimming. Americans are born with an instinct for fooling around with machines.

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