He liked to say that what makes literature is "inventing truly from honestly acquired knowledge, so that what you make up is truer than what you might remember."
In his reflections on literature, Hemingway emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He believed that the key to creating compelling narratives lies in drawing from genuine knowledge and experiences. This approach enables writers to craft tales that resonate on a deeper level, often surpassing mere recollections from memory.
Hendrickson, in his book "Hemingway's Boat," explores how this philosophy influenced Hemingway’s work and life. The interplay between personal experience and imaginative creation allowed Hemingway to produce art that captures profound truths, reflecting both his experiences and broader human emotions.