“Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously. But when you get the damned hurt use it—don’t cheat with it”
— Ernest Hemingway
Simplified Meaning:
The quote is saying that everyone faces tough times, and these struggles are a part of life. It emphasizes that to truly create meaningful work, especially in writing, you have to experience deep pain. This pain is something that can fuel your creativity and add depth to your writing. However, it's important to let this pain shape your work honestly and not avoid or misuse it. For example, think of how some of the best songs or books come from people who have gone through heartache, loss, or hardship. Their experiences make their work more real and relatable. If you're trying to write a story or express your feelings, use your experiences to make your work more powerful and authentic. Instead of trying to pretend the pain isn't there or taking shortcuts, embrace it, and let it guide your creativity in a genuine way. This way, you can create something truly meaningful that resonates with others.
