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Meaning
The quote says that if you imitate masterpieces too closely, you are following rules instead of creating with your own authority. It suggests that real mastery requires independent judgment, not just obedience to what came before. It also draws a clear line between learning from great works and being constrained by them.
When It Was Said
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Who It Was Said To
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Historical Context
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Source
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Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed as attributed, with no source found on Wikiquote.
Did You Know?
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About David Shields
American author
David Shields is an American author of 25 books. His work spans fiction, nonfiction, and criticism, and he is known for books such as Reality Hunger, The Thing About Life Is That One Day You'll Be Dead, and Black Planet. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow, twice an NEA Fellow, and a winner of the PEN Revson Award. He has also been a finalist for the National Book Critics' Circle Award and the PEN West Award, and has served as senior contributing editor of Conjunctions.
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