Who said “You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it…”?

Verified

Ernest Hemingway. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLetter (21 June 1952); published in Ernest Hemingway: Selected Letters 1917–1961 (1981) edited by Carlos Baker

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“You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it is a sign you are worthless if you make jokes or kid or even clown. I wouldn't kid Our Lord if he was on the cross. But I would attempt a joke with him if I ran into him chasing the money changers out of the temple.”
— Ernest Hemingway
VerifiedLetter (21 June 1952); published in Ernest Hemingway: Selected Letters 1917–1961 (1981) edited by Carlos Baker · evidenceLiterary Criticism
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Letter (21 June 1952); published in Ernest Hemingway: Selected Letters 1917–1961 (1981) edited by Carlos Baker.

APA

Hemingway, E. (n.d.). You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it is a sign you are worthless if you make jokes or kid or even clown. I wouldn't kid Our Lord if he was on the cross. But I would attempt a joke with him if I ran into him chasing the money changers out of the temple. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22787-you-know-lots-of-criticism-is-written-by/

MLA

Hemingway, Ernest. “You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it is a sign you are worthless if you make jokes or kid or even clown. I wouldn't kid Our Lord if he was on the cross. But I would attempt a joke with him if I ran into him chasing the money changers out of the temple.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22787-you-know-lots-of-criticism-is-written-by/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hemingway, Ernest. “You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it is a sign you are worthless if you make jokes or kid or even clown. I wouldn't kid Our Lord if he was on the cross. But I would attempt a joke with him if I ran into him chasing the money changers out of the temple.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22787-you-know-lots-of-criticism-is-written-by/.

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