“It is impossible to pursue a successful literary career and follow the advice of all one's 'best friends'. I feel compelled to follow the light which my own intellect & judgement cast upon my way, rather than any one of the many conflicting rays which other minds would lend me.”

—  Ella Wheeler Wilcox

from Preface to Poems of Passion 1883 edition

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Ella Wheeler Wilcox 46
American author and poet 1850–1919

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“It is impossible to pursue a successful literary career and follow the advice of all one's 'best friends.”

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I feel compelled to follow the light which my own intellect & judgement cast upon my way, rather than any one of the many conflicting rays which other minds would lend me.
from Preface to Poems of Passion 1883 edition

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