Every great and original writer, in proportion as he is great and original, must himself create the taste by which he is to be relished.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Original creators must shape the standards that define how their work is valued by others.
- In plain terms
- Great writers have to make their own rules for how people like their work.
- What can you take from it?
- Innovators set the standards by which they are judged.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who decides what is original?
- How is taste formed in your field?
Another view
It ignores the role of audiences in defining taste.
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