A writer is unfair to himself when he is unable to be hard on himself

A writer is unfair to himself when he is unable to be hard on himself

Marianne Moore, a renowned American modernist poet, was known for her precise language, keen observation, and unique poetic style. Throughout her career, Moore was often praised for her ability to be critical of her own work, constantly revising and refining her poems until they met her high standards. This dedication to self-criticism and self-improvement is a key aspect of Moore's success as a writer.

Moore understood the importance of being hard on herself as a writer. She believed that in order to produce truly great work, one must be willing to push oneself to the limits of creativity and craftsmanship. Moore was known to spend hours meticulously revising her poems, searching for the perfect word or phrase to convey her intended meaning. She was not afraid to discard entire stanzas or verses if they did not meet her exacting standards.

Moore's commitment to self-criticism was evident in her poem "Poetry," in which she famously wrote, "I, too, dislike it." This line has been interpreted as Moore's acknowledgment of the difficulty and struggle inherent in the creative process. By being hard on herself, Moore was able to push past her own limitations and produce work that was truly exceptional.

Being hard on oneself as a writer is not an easy task. It requires a willingness to confront one's own shortcomings and imperfections, and a dedication to constant self-improvement. However, Moore understood that this process was essential to producing work of lasting value.