Hemingway’s Advice on Writing, Ambition, and His Reading List of Essential Books for Aspiring Writers

Ernest Hemingway, the renowned American novelist and journalist, once famously declared, "In any art you're allowed to steal anything if you can make it better." This statement encapsulates Hemingway's approach to writing and his belief in the importance of learning from others while adding one's unique voice to the mix. His advice, often succinct and to the point, has inspired countless aspiring writers over the decades.

In 1935, Hemingway shared his insights on writing in a compendium published in Esquire. The advice was initially addressed to a young correspondent, but it was based on a real-life encounter with Arnold Samuelson, a 22-year-old aspiring writer. Samuelson, the son of Norwegian immigrant wheat farmers, had just completed his journalism coursework at the University of Minnesota but had refused to pay the $5 diploma fee. Convinced that his literary education would be best served by apprenticing himself to Hemingway, Samuelson embarked on a journey from Minnesota to Key West, hitchhiking atop a coal car during the Great Depression.

Despite the impracticality of his quest, Samuelson managed to stay with Hemingway for nearly an entire year. During this time, he became Hemingway's only true protégé, absorbing the lessons and learnings that would later be recorded in a manuscript discovered by his daughter after his death in 1981. The manuscript, titled "With Hemingway: A Year in Key West and Cuba," offers the closest thing to a psychological profile of the great writer.

Shortly after Samuelson's arrival in Key West, Hemingway handed him a handwritten list, instructing him, "Here's a list of books any writer should have read as a part of his education..." Hemingway's reading list, a testament to his deep understanding of literature, included a diverse range of works that spanned various genres and time periods. The list reflected Hemingway's belief in the importance of a well-rounded literary education for aspiring writers.

Hemingway's list included classics such as "The Odyssey" by Homer, "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, and "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. He also recommended works by contemporary authors like John Dos Passos, William Faulkner, and Gertrude Stein. Hemingway's advice to Samuelson was not just about reading these books but about understanding them and allowing them to influence one's own writing.

Hemingway's philosophy on writing was rooted in the idea that a writer should not judge but should instead understand. He believed that writers should be open to learning from a wide array of sources, including other writers, and that stealing ideas was permissible as long as they could be improved upon. This approach encouraged writers to be adaptable and creative, rather than rigidly adhering to a single style or method.

Hemingway's legacy as a writer and mentor continues to inspire aspiring authors today. His advice on reading, writing, and ambition serves as a guiding light for those who seek to hone their craft and produce work that resonates with readers. By embracing Hemingway's philosophy, writers can unlock their potential and contribute their unique voice to the world of literature.

In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway's enduring wisdom on writing, ambition, and his reading list for aspiring writers offers a roadmap for success in the literary world. His belief in the power of understanding, learning from others, and improving upon existing ideas remains a timeless guide for those who aspire to become great writers. Through his mentorship and the lessons he imparted to Arnold Samuelson, Hemingway left an indelible mark on the world of literature that continues to inspire and influence writers to this day.