The quote “If a scene is longer than three pages, it better be for a good reason” speaks to the importance of conciseness and purpose in storytelling. It suggests that scenes in narratives should not meander or drag on unnecessarily; instead, they should serve clear functions within the story. A scene that exceeds three pages must justify its length by contributing significantly to character development, plot advancement, or thematic depth.
In storytelling, brevity can enhance engagement. Audiences often have limited attention spans; thus, keeping scenes tight and focused helps maintain interest and momentum. A longer scene can risk losing the audience’s attention if it lacks essential elements that propel the narrative forward or deepen understanding of characters.
Applying this principle to today’s world—particularly in communication—can be incredibly beneficial. In our fast-paced environment filled with constant information overload (social media posts, meetings, emails), being concise helps ensure your message is received clearly and effectively. Just as in writing scenes for a story, when you communicate ideas or share experiences with others—whether presenting at work or having personal conversations—the clarity and impact of your message are paramount.
In terms of personal development, this idea encourages self-reflection about how we spend our time and energy. Are there areas of our lives where we may be overextending ourselves without meaningful outcomes? This could apply to relationships where interactions feel prolonged without adding value or projects that consume more time than necessary without delivering significant results.
By focusing on what truly matters—a strong narrative arc in stories or impactful interactions in life—we can cultivate more meaningful experiences both personally and professionally. Embracing brevity while ensuring depth encourages us to prioritize quality over quantity in all aspects of life: friendships built on genuine connection rather than superficial interactions; efforts toward goals that yield substantial progress rather than futile endeavors that merely take up space (and time). Ultimately, this philosophy promotes mindfulness about how we allocate resources such as time and attention—a crucial aspect of living intentionally today.
