15 Inspirational Ernest Hemingway Quotes on Life and Writing

Ernest Hemingway was one of America’s most famous 20th-century writers and is known for his impactful novels, short stories and journalistic work.

Famous for his economical and understated writing style, Hemingway won both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes for his novel The Old Man and the Sea.

His adventurous life, from childhood summers in Northern Michigan to military service in World War I and extensive world travels, deeply influenced his perspective on life and writing.

This unique outlook is captured in numerous famous quotes, offering wisdom on topics ranging from aging to the craft of writing.

These quotes often misattributed continue to inspire and reflect Hemingway’s profound understanding of life and literature.

Here are the 15 Inspirational Ernest Hemingway Quotes on Life and Writing.


1. “We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

We are all broken, that's how the light gets in

This quote suggests that our imperfections and struggles are what allow us to grow, learn and become stronger.

It implies that embracing our flaws and vulnerabilities can lead to personal enlightenment and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

See Also: 15 Life-Changing Louise Hay Quotes to Reclaim Your Power

2. “In order to write about life first you must live it.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

In order to write about life first you must live it

Hemingway emphasizes the importance of experiencing life firsthand in order to write authentically and meaningfully.

He suggests that writers should immerse themselves in the world, face challenges and cultivate a rich inner life to draw from when crafting their stories and capturing the human experience.

3. “As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand

This quote encourages writers to approach their subjects and characters with empathy, compassion and an open mind.

Hemingway believed that writers should strive to comprehend the complexities of human nature and the motivations behind people’s actions, rather than passing judgment.

4. “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know

Hemingway advises writers to focus on crafting honest, authentic sentences that resonate with truth.

He suggests that by starting with a single truthful statement, writers can build upon it and create a cohesive and compelling narrative.

5. “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed

This quote highlights the emotional and physical effort required to write.

Hemingway suggests that writing is not an easy task, but rather a process of pouring one’s heart and soul onto the page, often painfully.

6. “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s quote suggests that highly intelligent individuals may find it challenging to achieve lasting happiness.

He implies that their deep understanding of the complexities of life and the human condition can lead to a more nuanced and sometimes melancholic perspective on the world.

7. “Courage is grace under pressure.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Courage is grace under pressure

This quote defines courage not as the absence of fear, but as the ability to maintain composure and grace in the face of adversity.

Hemingway believed that true courage lies in the way one responds to challenging situations with dignity and resilience.

8. “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s quote emphasizes the enduring companionship and comfort that books can provide.

He suggests that literature offers a reliable source of knowledge, entertainment and emotional support that remains constant throughout one’s life.

9. “But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

This quote conveys a message of resilience and the indomitable human spirit.

Hemingway believed that while individuals may face setbacks and even destruction, they cannot be truly defeated as long as they maintain their inner strength and determination.

Read Also: 15 Thought-Provoking George Orwell Quotes That Still Resonate

10. “Cowards die a thousand deaths, but the brave only die once.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Cowards die a thousand deaths, but the brave only die once

Hemingway’s quote contrasts the experiences of the cowardly and the brave.

He suggests that those who live in fear constantly anticipate and dread their own demise, while the courageous face death with acceptance and focus on living fully in the present moment.

11. “We’re stronger in the places that we’ve been broken.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of adversity and the potential for personal growth in the face of hardship.

Hemingway believed that individuals become more resilient and capable of facing future challenges by overcoming the difficulties they have encountered in the past.

12. “The rain will stop, the night will end, the hurt will fade. Hope is never so lost that it can’t be found.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s quote offers a message of hope and reassurance.

He suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of better days ahead.

The quote encourages readers to persevere through difficult circumstances, knowing that the pain and suffering they experience will eventually subside.

13. “Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry: Worry never fixes anything.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

This quote emphasizes the futility of excessive worrying and the importance of taking action to address problems.

Hemingway believed that while some level of concern is natural, dwelling on anxieties and fears can rob individuals of the joy and fulfillment they might otherwise experience in life.

He encourages readers to focus their energy on finding solutions to their challenges rather than worrying about them.

14. “The world breaks everyone and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

The world breaks everyone and afterward, some are strong at the broken places

Hemingway’s quote acknowledges the universal human experience of suffering and hardship.

He suggests that while the world has the power to break and destroy individuals, those who emerge from their struggles with renewed strength and resilience are the ones who have truly triumphed.

15. “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

This quote challenges the notion of superiority over others and instead emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-improvement.

Hemingway believed that true nobility lies in striving to be a better version of oneself, rather than comparing oneself to or looking down upon others.

15 Inspirational Ernest Hemingway Quotes on Life and Writing - Motivational Quotes
Chandan Negi
Chandan Negi

I love sharing inspirational and motivational quotes, captions, wishes, messages, jokes, puns and riddles to inspire, motivate and make people happy - #quotes #captions #wishes #messages #jokes #puns and #riddles #inboxquotes