In writing readily, it does not follow that you write well; but in writing well, you must be able to write readily.
— Quinclilian
The meaning of the quote
This quote is emphasizing the importance of writing well rather than simply writing quickly or easily. Let’s break it down:
“In writing readily, it does not follow that you write well”: This part suggests that being able to write quickly or effortlessly does not automatically mean that your writing is of high quality. Just because someone can produce written work easily doesn’t guarantee its excellence or effectiveness.
“But in writing well, you must be able to write readily”: On the other hand, this part states that if you want to write well, you must have the ability to write easily and smoothly. It implies that being able to express your thoughts and ideas fluently is a crucial aspect of producing good writing.
The quote implies that writing well involves more than just speed or ease; it requires skill, craftsmanship, and the ability to effectively communicate your message. Simply being able to write quickly or without much effort does not necessarily guarantee the quality of the written work.