It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way. Source
This piece of advice cuts straight to the heart of the creative struggle. It speaks to the private, often messy, process of honing a craft. Many creators feel an immense pressure to appear naturally gifted. They hide their countless drafts, their frustrating mistakes, and their long hours of practice. This quote gives them permission to keep that journey sacred. It suggests that the final product is what matters, not the grueling path taken to create it. While widely attributed to Ernest Hemingway, the story behind this powerful statement is as compelling as the words themselves.
The Unlikely Source of a Famous Quote
The quote did not appear in any of Hemingway’s published novels or letters. Instead, it comes to us through the memories of an aspiring writer. A young man named Arnold Samuelson sought out Hemingway in 1934 for writing advice. Samuelson spent a year with the literary giant in Key West and Cuba, documenting their conversations. These notes formed a manuscript that he kept private for decades.
After Samuelson’s death, his daughter discovered the manuscript. She edited the work, which was finally published in 1984 as With Hemingway: A Year in Key West and Cuba. Within these pages, readers found the now-famous quote. The long delay between the conversation and its publication adds a layer of intrigue. It relies on the accuracy of Samuelson’s memory and his daughter’s editorial choices. However, the sentiment perfectly aligns with Hemingway’s public persona.
The Blessing of a Lost Suitcase
According to Samuelson’s account, Hemingway shared the advice while telling a specific story. The anecdote was about a major setback from his early years in Paris. His wife, Hadley Richardson, had packed nearly all of his manuscripts into a suitcase. This included originals and carbon copies of his earliest work. Tragically, someone stole the suitcase at a train station.
Hemingway initially felt devastated by the loss of two years’ work. Yet, he later came to see it as a stroke of luck. The lost manuscripts meant that critics and scholars could never trace his development as a writer. They couldn’t pore over his apprentice work to see how he grew. His early, unpolished efforts were gone forever. This accidental erasure of his history helped build the myth of his innate talent. He explained this perspective to Samuelson, concluding with the powerful line about letting them think you were born that way.
From Private Memory to Public Wisdom
The quote’s journey into the public consciousness accelerated after its publication. In 1985, The New York Times Book Review featured an excerpt from Samuelson’s book. This exposure introduced Hemingway’s pragmatic advice to a much wider audience. Consequently, writers and artists everywhere began to embrace its message. Simpson’s Contemporary Quotations – WorldCat
Literary reference books soon cemented its status. For example, Simpson’s Contemporary Quotations included the line in its 1988 edition . Its inclusion in such collections solidified its place in popular culture. The quote now appears frequently in articles, social media posts, and creative writing workshops. It serves as a comforting mantra for anyone learning a difficult skill. Source
The Modern Relevance of an Old Idea
Today, this advice feels more relevant than ever. Social media platforms often showcase flawless final products. We see the stunning painting, the bestselling novel, or the perfect performance. However, we rarely see the thousands of hours of messy, frustrating work that led to that success. This creates a skewed perception of reality. It can make aspiring creators feel inadequate or untalented. Ernest Hemingway Collection – John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Hemingway’s alleged words offer a powerful antidote. They remind us that the learning process is personal. It is okay for it to be difficult and hidden from public view. The important thing is to do the work. You must write, revise, and persist through failure. The illusion of effortless genius is just that—an illusion. The real magic lies in the dedication to the craft, far from prying eyes. Ultimately, your journey is your own, and you owe no one an explanation for it.