“Erasure is as important as writing. Prune what is turgid, elevate what is commonplace, arrange what is disorderly, introduce rhythm where the language is harsh, modify where it is too absolute. . . . The best method of correction is to put aside for a time what we have written, so that when we come to it again it may have an aspect of novelty, as of being another man's work; in this way we may preserve ourselves from regarding our writings with the affection that we lavish upon a newborn child.”
Quote by Quintilian
Work
De Institutione Oratoria
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Author
Quintilian
Quintilian (c. 35–100 AD) was a renowned Roman rhetorician and educator born in Calagurris, Hispania. He served as tutor to the sons of Emperor Vespasian and became one of the most influential teachers of rhetoric in ancient Rome. His major work, Institutio Oratoria (The Orator's Education), is considered the most comprehensive treatise on rhetorical education from antiquity. Quintilian emphasized that a true orator must possess excellent moral character, advocating for education that develops both intellectual abilities and virtuous character. more
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