Meaning: Rita Dove, an American poet and essayist, offers an insightful perspective on the act of writing in the quote, "To write for PC reasons, because you think you ought to be dealing with this subject, is never going to yield anything that is really going to matter to anyone else. It has to matter to you." This quote delves into the intrinsic motivation and personal significance that underlie the act of writing. Dove's words emphasize the importance of genuine passion and personal connection to the subject matter as essential elements in creating impactful and meaningful writing.

In today's society, there is a prevalent notion that certain topics or subjects should be addressed in writing due to political correctness or societal expectations. This pressure to conform to external standards may lead writers to tackle subjects solely for the sake of meeting these expectations, rather than because the topics genuinely resonate with them. Dove's quote challenges this approach, suggesting that writing motivated by external factors such as political correctness is unlikely to produce work that holds significance for others. Instead, she advocates for a more personal and authentic connection to the subject matter as the catalyst for creating writing that truly resonates with readers.

Dove's emphasis on the personal connection to the subject matter aligns with the concept of "writing what you know." When writers draw from their own experiences, emotions, and beliefs, their work often carries a sense of authenticity and depth that resonates with readers. This authenticity is a key factor in creating writing that has the potential to deeply impact and matter to others. By encouraging writers to prioritize their own connection to the subject matter, Dove highlights the importance of infusing one's personal perspective and passion into their writing.

Furthermore, Dove's quote underscores the idea that genuine passion and personal investment in the subject matter are essential for writers to produce work that transcends the realm of mere words on a page. When writers are deeply engaged with their chosen topics, their commitment and emotional investment are often palpable in the resulting writing. This emotional resonance can elicit powerful responses from readers, fostering a sense of connection and understanding that goes beyond the surface level of the written words. In this way, Dove's quote serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of writing that is born from a place of genuine personal significance.

Moreover, Dove's words also challenge the notion of writing as a purely intellectual or technical exercise. By emphasizing the importance of personal investment and emotional connection, she highlights the inherently human aspect of writing. Regardless of the subject matter, writing is ultimately a form of communication that seeks to convey thoughts, emotions, and experiences from one individual to another. When writers approach their craft with a genuine sense of personal significance, their work has the potential to resonate with readers on a deeply human level, transcending the constraints of political correctness or societal expectations.

In conclusion, Rita Dove's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic link between personal significance and impactful writing. By emphasizing the importance of genuine passion and personal connection to the subject matter, Dove challenges writers to prioritize their own emotional investment in their work. In doing so, she highlights the transformative potential of writing that is born from a place of authentic personal significance, ultimately underscoring the profound impact that such writing can have on both writers and readers alike.