Meaning: The quote "If you want to get rich from writing, write the sort of thing that's read by persons who move their lips when they're reading to themselves" by Don Marquis, a poet, humorist, and journalist, offers a humorous yet insightful perspective on the relationship between writing and financial success. This quote suggests that in order to achieve financial success as a writer, one should create content that engages readers to the extent that they physically or subconsciously engage with the text by moving their lips while reading.

The underlying message in Marquis' quote is that successful writing should aim to captivate the reader's attention and imagination. It implies that the content should be so compelling that it elicits a physical response, such as moving one's lips while reading silently. This concept can be interpreted as a metaphor for the level of engagement and absorption a writer's work should inspire in its readers.

In essence, Marquis is emphasizing the importance of creating writing that resonates deeply with readers, prompting them to become fully immersed in the content. By doing so, writers can potentially achieve financial success by catering to the preferences and habits of their audience. The quote also implies that writing that engages readers on a profound level has the potential to reach a wider audience and garner greater financial rewards.

From a practical perspective, this quote encourages writers to focus on creating content that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and memorable. It suggests that successful writing goes beyond mere words on a page, but instead, it should evoke a visceral response from the reader, prompting them to become fully absorbed in the narrative or message being conveyed.

Furthermore, the quote may also be interpreted as a commentary on the commercial aspects of writing. It suggests that in order to achieve financial success as a writer, one must cater to the reading preferences of a broad audience. By creating content that appeals to a wide range of readers and engages them on a personal level, writers can increase their chances of achieving commercial success.

Don Marquis' quote serves as a reminder to writers that in order to achieve financial success, they should strive to create content that is not only artistically and intellectually stimulating but also commercially viable. It underscores the importance of understanding and connecting with the audience, as well as the need to produce work that resonates deeply with readers.

In conclusion, Don Marquis' quote encapsulates the idea that successful writing should aim to captivate and engage readers to the extent that they physically or subconsciously engage with the text. By creating content that resonates deeply with readers and prompts them to move their lips while reading silently, writers have the potential to achieve financial success by appealing to a broad audience and satisfying their reading preferences.