Quote by Ambrose Bierce
Let me tell you what a writer is. A writer takes comprehensive views, holds large convictions, makes wide generalizations. A writer's not English, Mexican, or American. A writer's not a woman nor a man. A writer's not Christian, Jew, Buddhist, Muslim, nor snake worshipper. To local standards of right and wrong a writer's civilly indifferent. In the virtues, a writer's concerned only with general expediency. A writer doesn't waste time focusing on fixed moral principles that aren't yet before the court of conscience. Happiness discloses itself to a writer as the end and purpose of life, and art and love are the only means to a writer's happiness. A writer is free of all doctrines, theories, etiquettes, and politics. To a writer, a continent doesn't seem long, nor a century wide. And a writer has ever present consciousness that this is a world of...fools and rogues, blind with superstition, tormented with envy, consumed with vanity, selfish, false, cruel, cursed with illusions, and frothing mad.
Summary
This quote defines a writer as someone who possesses a broad perspective, holds strong convictions, and makes general statements that encompass a wide range of beliefs and identities. They are not limited by nationality, gender, religion, or any other societal labels. A writer disregards local notions of right and wrong, focusing instead on what is generally expedient. They do not adhere to fixed moral principles but are guided by the happiness they find in life. Art and love are the writer's means to achieve this happiness. A writer remains detached from doctrines, theories, etiquettes, and politics, recognizing the folly and depravity present in the world.
Topics
Authors & Writing
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