“At one time I thought the most important thing was talent. I think now that — the young man or the young woman must possess or teach himself, train himself, in infinite patience, which is to try and to try and to try until it comes right. He must train himself in ruthless intolerance. That is, to throw away anything that is false no matter how much he might love that page or that paragraph. The most important thing is insight, that is … curiosity to wonder, to mull, and to muse why it is that man does what he does. And if you have that, then I don’t think the talent makes much difference, whether you’ve got that or not.”
~ William Faulkner, Press conference, University of Virginia, May 20, 1957
Live & Learn 
It’s the intangibles, the courage of an overcomer who is brave enough to share or the humility of failing followed by wisdom shared.
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So true. I’m hoping my Son watches this video and reads your comment Lisanne.
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Such a hard lesson – persistence, willingness to fail and try and try again…Though I don’t think this negates talent. It exposes it.
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I agree with that. Faulkner had a wee bit of talent.
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Laughing – he’d be pleased to hear it. 😉
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
The answer …..
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Love this David.
Tenacity, work and a little luck never hurts either.
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Certainly does Debra. Thanks.
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This requires a little thought. Insight is a gift, I think, that can be complemented with talent.
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Agree Lulu. Fully agree.
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Somehow, David, I can’t imagine you being ruthlessly intolerant. Do you find that curious?
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Hmmmm. Hear of the story Jekyll and Hyde?
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Yes. I wonder if Robert L. Stevenson was curiously or ruthlessly intolerant?
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Great question…
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Talent means little if one does not put one’s hand to the plow and forge ahead.
-Alan
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Yes. Full stop.
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Wise words! Courage and commitment to keep trying. 🙂
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ruthlessly intolerant = never settling
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I am forever mulling and musing over why man does what he does. I’m forever getting it wrong.
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And there lies additional mystery to this wonderful life.
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“That is, to throw away anything that is false no matter how much he might love that page or that paragraph. The most important thing is insight, that is … curiosity to wonder, to mull, and to muse why it is that man does what he does.” This is what makes a good writing great — what makes a little painting a masterpiece — and what makes a simple tune a symphony. It also makes a blog a place of refuge and inspiration. ❤
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Ahhh yes, I’m so with you here Catherine. Thanks for sharing.
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