"I thought Cheever was magnificent and that if I could write like him that would be the best I could do. And then I realized that what I really wanted to write had nothing to do with what he was doing"
- Harry Mathews
About this Quote
This quote by Harry Mathews speaks to the power of influence as well as ideas. Mathews was inspired by the work of Cheever and initially assumed that if he can compose like him, he would have accomplished his ideal work. However, Mathews soon understood that what he wished to create was something entirely different from what Cheever was doing. This speaks with the value of discovering one's very own voice and style, instead of merely attempting to mimic the job of others. Mathews' quote is a pointer that it is important to be influenced by the job of others, yet likewise to find one's own unique style as well as perspective.
This quote is written / told by Harry Mathews somewhere between February 14, 1930 and today. He/she was a famous Author from USA.
The author also have 25 other quotes.
"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
