Quote by George Bernard Shaw

I owe all my originality, such as it is, to my determination not to be a literary man. Instead of belonging to a literary club I belong to a municipal council. Instead of drinking and discussing authors and reviews, I sit on committees with capable practical greengrocers and bootmakers... Keep away from books and from men who get their ideas from books, and your own books will always be fresh.

I owe all my originality, such as it is, to my determination

Summary

This quote highlights the author's belief that their originality comes from avoiding the literary sphere and engaging with individuals of diverse backgrounds and practical experiences. By actively participating in municipal council activities alongside people like greengrocers and bootmakers, rather than engaging solely in discussions about literature, they believe their ideas and writing remain unique and unaffected by common literary influences. The quote suggests that by steering clear of books and those solely influenced by them, one can maintain a fresh perspective in their own literary works.

Topics

Writing Craft

By George Bernard Shaw

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