His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly's wings. At one time he understood it no more than the butterfly did and he did not know when it was brushed or marred. Later he became conscious of his damaged wings and of their construction and he learned to think and could not fly any more because the love of flight was gone and he could only remember when it had been effortless. Ernest Hemingway
About This Quote

A writer's talent is the natural way in which his mind works. It is not something that can be taught or learned. Before he learns to write he is very young, just a child who is learning to distinguish between right and wrong. When he grows older and becomes more conscious of his mistakes and how they affect others, he becomes an adult.

He may be able to understand it no more than the butterfly could or than the dust on a butterfly's wings. Later, as he matures and learns about his craft, he becomes conscious of his damaged wings and of their construction and he learns to think and can no longer fly freely.

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