You must avoid giving hostages to fortune, like getting an expensive wife, an expensive house, and a style of living that never lets you aford the time to take the chance to write what you wish.

The quote by Irwin Shaw advises against tying oneself down with excessive material possessions or commitments that can limit personal freedom and creativity. He suggests that luxuries, like an expensive wife, an expensive house, or a lavish lifestyle, can become burdens that prevent individuals from pursuing their true passions, such as writing. The phrase "giving hostages to fortune" refers to creating situations that make you vulnerable to external pressures, where the pursuit of wealth and status may overshadow more fulfilling goals, such as personal expression or creativity.

Shaw emphasizes that if one becomes too entangled in a life of excess, it can become difficult to find the time, energy, or freedom to focus on what truly matters to them. The demands of a high-maintenance lifestyle might mean sacrificing the space needed for reflection, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s passions. The quote suggests that financial and social pressures can cloud the opportunity to live a life of purpose and self-expression, particularly for writers and artists who need time and mental freedom to create.

The origin of Shaw's advice likely stems from his own experiences as a successful novelist and screenwriter, where the pursuit of success in a competitive industry could easily become overwhelming. Shaw's focus on artistic freedom implies that for a writer, the ability to live simply and without heavy material obligations is essential to staying true to their craft and expressing their deepest thoughts and emotions.

Ultimately, the quote serves as a reminder to prioritize what is truly valuable in life—namely, freedom, creativity, and personal fulfillment—over the pursuit of wealth or societal expectations. Shaw warns that without careful consideration of what we attach ourselves to, we might lose the ability to pursue the things that truly matter in the long run.