Read over your compositions, and when you meet a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out

Read over your compositions, and when you meet a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out

Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer, once famously advised writers to read over their compositions and strike out any passages they deemed particularly fine. This seemingly counterintuitive advice may appear puzzling at first glance, but upon closer examination, it reveals Johnson's deep understanding of the art of writing and the importance of self-editing.

Johnson's advice can be interpreted as a call for writers to be critical of their own work and to strive for clarity and conciseness in their writing. By urging writers to strike out passages that they consider particularly fine, Johnson is encouraging them to avoid the trap of self-indulgence and to focus on the essential message they want to convey. In essence, he is advocating for the principle of "less is more" in writing, emphasizing the importance of brevity and precision in communication.

Moreover, Johnson's advice reflects his belief in the power of revision and editing in the writing process. He understood that writing is a craft that requires constant refinement and honing, and that the first draft is rarely the final product. By encouraging writers to be ruthless in their self-editing, Johnson is emphasizing the importance of revisiting and revising one's work to ensure that it is polished and effective.

Additionally, Johnson's advice can be seen as a rejection of vanity and self-importance in writing. By advocating for the removal of passages that writers may consider particularly fine, he is cautioning against the temptation to show off or impress with flowery language or elaborate prose. Instead, he is urging writers to prioritize clarity, coherence, and substance in their writing, and to let the message speak for itself.